David James makes Billy Gilmour and Graham Potter claim as transfer edges closer

Chelsea midfielder Gilmour, 21, has been told he isn’t apart of head coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Brighton are keen to bring the midfielder to the Amex Stadium on a permanent deal before the window closes at 11pm tonight (September 1).

Former England goalkeeper James believes the move would allow the Scottish midfielder to reach his full potential.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, James said: “If he goes to Brighton under Graham Potter, then I think you have a manager that will get the best out of him.

"We’ve mentioned before about staying at clubs and not getting much game time. If you go to Brighton you would imagine he would get more time and maybe we will see what people have been expecting of him.”

Despite not being wanted by Tuchel, Chelsea’s ownership may be reluctant to give permission for a permanent deal to go ahead, considering the club’s current midfielder injury worries.

However, Gilmour is said to be keen on the move, having not featuring for the West London club since returning from a last season’s disappointing loan spell at Norwich.

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James said: “When he went to Norwich and started most of the games and with Norwich being relegated there was a lot of times where he wasn't starting as well.

“On the back of such a wonderful Euros, I think the expectation was high, but the journey to reaching your peak is not a steady straight line to top success.”