Former Chelsea star has transfer to Napoli BLOCKED after horror tackle forces club to keep him

BILLY GILMOUR has seen his transfer to Napoli BLOCKED by Brighton after a horror tackle left Matt O’Riley needing surgery, reports suggest.

O’Riley joined the Seagulls in a £30million transfer from Celtic with Gilmour then set to depart for the Serie A before Friday’s transfer deadline.

However, O’Riley was forced off just eight minutes into his debut after a horror tackle on him left the 23-year-old unable to continue.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler has since confirmed that O’Riley requires surgery on his ankle as a consequence of Jay Williams’ tackle on him during the 4-0 win over Crawley in the Carabao Cup second round.

Hurzeler said: “It’s like we expected, a bad injury. He needs surgery on his ankle. I can’t say how long we expect him to be out, we have to look how the rehab will go.

“But of course it’s a tough one for us, we try to support him the best way we can. We try to get him as fast as possible back on the pitch and let’s hope he will be back soon.

“I had a small chat with him yesterday, it’s not the best situation, he’s very disappointed but he’s a good character, a very positive guy and looks immediately in the future.

“He says he’ll be back soon and come back stronger and that’s a very positive thing.”

With Denmark international O’Riley now potentially facing months on the sideline, the Express reports Brighton have pulled the plug on Gilmour’s exit to ensure they are not left short in midfield.

The deal would have allowed Gilmour to join compatriot Scott McTominay in Italy, who himself is set to sign for Antonio Conte‘s team from Manchester United in a £25m transfer.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

However, the report adds that no deal had been completely agreed for Gilmour.

Gilmour, who came through Chelsea‘s academy and played 22 times for the Blues senior team, started Brighton’s most recent match against Man Utd, which they won 2-1.