Conte and Napoli Target Gilmour: Brighton Chief Paul Barber Breaks Silence”

Here’s a rewritten version of the article with a more professional tone and language:

“Brighton & Hove Albion are bracing themselves for a renewed approach from Napoli for midfielder Billy Gilmour, with the Italian giants expected to table an improved offer of around £12m.

The Seagulls rejected Napoli’s initial bid of £8m for the Scotland international, but Antonio Conte’s side are determined to land the 23-year-old. Gilmour, who joined Brighton from Chelsea in 2022 for £7.5m, has developed into a key player for the club, despite struggling for game time in his first season.

Napoli’s interest in Gilmour is no surprise, given Conte’s familiarity with the midfielder from his time at Chelsea. The Italian manager is keen to reunite with Gilmour, who has two years remaining on his Brighton contract.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber confirmed that the club has turned down one offer from Napoli, but is prepared for further interest in their players. “We know that some of our players will attract attention from other clubs, and we have to manage that,” Barber told Talksport.

Gilmour is currently in Japan with Brighton for their pre-season fixtures, and Barber is keen to keep the midfielder at the club. “Billy is an important player for us, and we’re very keen to keep him. He’s a fantastic footballer and a great character around the squad.”

Meanwhile, Brighton may also face a battle to keep German international midfielder Pascal Gross, who is considering offers from Bundesliga clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund. The 33-year-old has expressed his desire to return to Germany for professional and family reasons.”