Thomas Tuchel 'encouraged' Billy Gilmour to leave Chelsea for Brighton and Hove Albion - claiming it'd be good for him to work under Graham Potter.

Gilmour made his debut in the Seagulls' 5-2 victory against Leicester City eight days ago after joining Brighton in a £9 million deal on the final day of the transfer window.

The 21-year-playing old's time at Stamford Bridge has decreased under Tuchel, and after spending a season on loan at Norwich City, he made the decision to move on.

The Athletic claims that Tuchel persuaded Gilmour to transfer from Stamford Bridge to the AMEX Stadium and advance under Potter's management.

Todd Boehly, the owner of Chelsea, wanted Gilmour to remain and compete for his position in contrast to that.

In less than a week, Chelsea fired Tuchel and hired Potter in his place. No one was more stunned by that revelation than Gilmour, who in his initial interview spoke highly of Potter.

"For me, Brighton play great football and a style I like to play, nice passing," the Scotland international explained. "The manager is highly thought of as well, he's really good. I thought I wanted to come here.

"I also know a couple of players here, Levi [Colwill] and Tariq [Lamptey] so I've asked them and they've told me how good of a club it's been.".