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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Billy Gilmour to Napoli transfer off as consequence of Matt O'Riley injury blow

Billy Gilmour proposed Napoli transfer exit has been thrown out after Matt O'Riley's injury on his Brighton debut.

The former Rangers academy prospect was tipped to make the switch to the Serie A this summer with interest from Italy.

We reported that a deal was progressing for Gilmour to join Napoli after Antonio Conte identified the Scotland internationalist as a key target this summer.

An initial £8m bid had been rejected by Brighton earlier this month but a multi-million pound deal was close after discussions resumed between the clubs.

Gilmour, 23, had been poised to finalise terms to rejoin former boss Conte after working with the manager during their shared time at Chelsea.

However, it's now reported the deal has collapsed as a consequence of O'Riley's injury on his debut for Brighton earlier this week.

The Express reports Brighton have had a "change of heart" over any deal after O'Riley hobbled off leaving them light in midfield.


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O'Riley started in the Carabao Cup match against Crawley Town after sealing a £25m move from Celtic.

But his first appearance was short-lived as he was forced off injured after a wild challenge from Jay Williams.

O'Riley will require surgery on the injury blow and has been sidelined indefinitely days after his move to the Premier League.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitted he is unsure how long O'Riley will be unavailable but confirmed it was a serious injury issue.

"Like we expected, it's a bad injury. He needs surgery on his ankle," said Hurzeler. "I can't say how long we expect him to be out.

"We have to look at how the rehab will go but of course it is a tough one for us.

"We will try to support him the best way we can and get him back on the pitch as fast as possible.

"Let's hope he will be back soon."

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