Brighton have rejected an £8m bid from Italian side Napoli for Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour.
Sources suggest this offer was an initial approach, indicating Napoli is likely to return with another bid, believing they can finalize the transfer.
Gilmour has joined the Seagulls on their tour to Japan, where they will play two matches: against Kashima Antlers on 24 July and Tokyo Verdy on 28 July. This tour aims to build on the popularity of Japan international Kaoru Mitoma, who has made a significant impact at the club.
Last season, Gilmour started 24 Premier League games and played 41 matches in all competitions. He signed for Brighton for £7.5m in 2022 and has two years remaining on his contract.
Napoli, managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, finished 10th last season after winning the title in 2023 for the first time in 33 years.
Meanwhile, Brighton are close to signing Paraguay international Diego Gomez from Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
Gomez will be part of his country’s Olympic squad later this month, so he would not join Brighton until after the tournament. Sources say talks are nearing completion, with a suggested fee of about $18m (£13.9m).