GIFTED Ardrossan teenage footballer Billy Gilmour has agreed to join Chelsea in the summer.

The 15-year-old Rangers youths midfielder will sign a professional contract with the Stamford Bridge club when he turns 16, after the two clubs agreed a "significant fee".

The Ibrox club offered Gilmour a contract, but the Scotland youth international has opted to move to London.

"When he made clear his desire to move to the Premier League it was important we maximised the commercial value for him," Rangers said in a statement.

The Stamford Bridge side were among a number of teams in hot pursuit of the youngster, who caught the eye of scouts with his performances for Rangers' youth sides and the Scotland under-16 team.

Ex-Rangers boss Mark Warburton and the man who took over from him,  Pedro Caixinha, also included the player in first-team training sessions. The new manager met Gilmour's parents to try to coax him to stay on board with the Glasgow club.

However he has opted to go south.

Rangers are disappointed they were unable to hold on to the player.

A statement released today said: "The club's preference would have been for Billy to stay at Rangers," the Ibrox club said in a statement.

"But this agreement will provide Rangers with a significant sum for a 15-year-old player who has yet to play first-team football, and further significant amounts could be due based on milestones being reached.

"We are pleased with this outcome and believe this deal represents good value for Rangers.

"That he was sought after by many Premier League clubs, and indeed a number of the largest clubs in Europe, further demonstrates the quality of player now being produced by the academy. Everyone at Rangers wishes Billy well for his future."