Rangers urged to sign London-based midfielder by Ibrox legend

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Billy Gilmour has been one of the losers in the Chelsea squad following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Frank Lampard’s replacement – and Rangers legend Brian Laudrup has urged Steven Gerrard to lure him back to Ibrox in the summer.

Gilmour, 19, joined Chelsea from Rangers in the summer of 2017 and has since starred for the West London outfit’s academy and reserve sides. Despite being a box-to-box midfielder, Gilmour has had a hand in 18 goals during 39 second-string outings.

The £43,000-a-week midfielder (Spotrac) has played 17 times at senior level for Chelsea, being handed his debut by Lampard. This season, he has only managed to play six times at senior level – with a knee injury hampering his progress initially.

But when fit, Gilmour has at least earned a place on the bench under Lampard. Tuchel, meanwhile, has only included him in the Premier League side once in his four league games – and Laudrup thinks Rangers should take advantage in the summer.

“I read that he would have been interested in a loan before the window closed to improve his chances of making Steve Clarke’s squad,” Laudrup told the Mail – as per the Evening Times. “The fact Chelsea kept him is a show of faith on their part.

“But if he doesn’t play much this season, then a temporary move might be best for all parties in the summer. Would a return to Rangers be suitable then? It’s all hypothetical, of course, but it’s a thought that intrigues me for the future.

“From Gilmour’s point of view, there could be Champions League group stage football on offer. That would be another incentive for his development. I don’t think you could find a better place than Rangers to get game time and play in the right way.”

TBR’s view – Rangers and Gilmour would fit like a glove

Steven Gerrard likes to use three ball-playing midfielders that keep possession and supply the front three – allowing Rangers to remain solid but also retaining possession. First choice, Steven Davis sits behind Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara.

Joe Aribo, Bongani Zungu and Scott Arfield are also options but in terms of the type of midfielder Gerrard likes, Gilmour fits the bill. He is excellent when it comes to passing, keeping possession and also has the work rate required for Gerrard.

It is a move that suits all parties – as Laudrup said. Champions League football, game time, and under the guidance of one of England’s best ever midfielders in Gerrard, a move back to Ibrox has got to be orchestrated for Gilmour in the summer.