Premier League leaders, Chelsea, are reportedly leading the race to sign the highly coveted Rangers FC prospect, Billy Gilmour.

According to reports from ESPN, a host of European clubs including the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Manchester United are believed to be interested in the youngster. However, it is Chelsea who have made the first move.

Gilmour’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but Chelsea have moved early ahead of other rivals and have made a £500,000 bid now, instead of paying a tribunal-set compensation fee later.

The 15-year-old midfielder has impressed at club levels, as well as at youth ranks, in Scotland’s national team over the last 12 months. The Scotland under-16 midfielder is regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe, and certainly one of the brightest prospects to have come through at the club.

Rangers boss, Mark Warburton, is hoping to keep hold of the wonder kid, but the Scottish giants would be powerless in preventing him from leaving if they receive a handsome offer from a big European club. The report adds that Gilmour spent the last weekend in London to hold talks with Chelsea. He was also shown the club’s training facilities during his visit.

It remains to be seen whether other European clubs make a formal approach in the coming days, but as it stands, Chelsea seems to be the next likely destination for the youngster.