Danny Mills believes Glasgow Rangers are not the best loan destination for former Ibrox starlet Billy Gilmour.
The Lowdown: Gilmour could make loan switch
Gilmour, who is a product of Rangers' youth academy, made the move to Chelsea as a 15-year-old from Ibrox in 2017.
Now 19, he made 11 appearances for Champions League winners Chelsea last term (Transfermarkt), but he is set to go out on loan for the next campaign to gain much-needed playing experience (The Daily Mail).
Football Insider sources say the Gers will be interested in the teenager.
The Latest: Better off at Brentford
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills has suggested Gilmour would be better off with Brentford rather than with the Gers. He said:
"I think there’ll be a lot of clubs queueing up for his signature.
"He’s a very talented boy. Brentford might be looking at him, he could come in and do a very good job and is a very good player. He wouldn’t have to move either, he could stay where he is. I think that helps a young player, a bit of stability.
"He’ll have several options to where he could go. He has to make the right decision for him. Be picky, be choosy and say ‘Right Ok, I’m going to go here for the good of me and for the development of my career.’
"I think he’ll have several options because he’s a very talented player.
"If he’s going to go to a Premier League club and play regularly then it’s definitely a better option than Rangers.
"He’ll learn a lot more there than by going to the Scottish league."
The Verdict: Premier League stay
It would be fantastic for Steven Gerrard to be able to add £9m-valued Gilmour (Transfermarkt) to his squad for the 2021/22 campaign. The Blues midfielder is clearly talented, and was even called "world-class" by Roy Keane in 2019 (via talkSPORT). At Ibrox, he could easily become a fan favourite due to his roots at the club.
Unfortunately, the Premiership lacks the quality of the Premier League. Gilmour could do with playing regularly against top-quality players to hone his talents, something which just isn't on offer in Scotland week in week out.
Brentford would probably make more sense for Thomas Tuchel and co, in what could be a blow for Gerrard and the Gers.
In other news, Rangers fans laud this man's performance at Euro 2020.