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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Real Madrid and Barcelona 'in transfer battle' for Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour

Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour is being monitored by Real Madrid and Barcelona , according to reports in Spain.

The 18-year-old shone in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool midweek and was awarded man of the match for his performance.

The midfielder is in contention for his first Premier League start as Chelsea host Everton on Sunday, though his progress will come as no surprise to Spanish giants Real and Barca.

According to El Desmarque , both clubs have been monitoring the Scotsman's performances in the Chelsea youth set-up for a number of years.

Gilmour reached last season's UEFA Youth League final, which Chelsea lost to Porto, and has been pushing for a spot in the first-team.

Gilmour produced a composed display against Liverpool (NurPhoto/PA Images)

The central midfielder, who can also operate in a defensive midfield role, has made two appearances in the Premier League under Frank Lampard - both coming off the bench.

He has also made two appearances apiece in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but could be set to play a more major role in the final quarter of the season due to Chelsea's injury crisis in midfield.

N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic recently picked up injuries, joining long-term absentees Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco van Ginkel on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Jorginho is suspended after picking up ten yellow cards, meaning Gilmour could be in line for a start against the Toffees at Stamford Bridge.

Gilmour could make his first Premier League start (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea will no-doubt be worried about their starlet's head being turned amid the links, but will be encouraged by Gilmour's contract at the Bridge running until 2023, having been signed only last September.

Gilmour has made most of his appearances for Chelsea U23 this season, scoring twice and assisting four goals in Premier League 2. Should he start against Everton, it will be his seventh appearance for the first team.

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