Brighton & Hove Albion reportedly plan on making a fresh approach for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill this week.
Last summer, the Seagulls signed the centre-back on a season-long loan, the 20-year-old going on to make 13 starts and four substitute outings in the Premier League.
Despite his relative lack of game time, the move proved to be a huge success, Colwill gaining much-needed top-flight experience and Brighton securing Europa League football for the first time in their history.
Last month, each of Colwill and head coach Roberto De Zerbi indicated that they were open to continuing the arrangement on a permanent basis.
However, ever since rumours emerged that Mauricio Pochettino was ready to become the next Chelsea head coach, it became apparent that the Argentine wanted to keep the England Under-21 international as part of his first-team squad for 2023-24.
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As it stands, that remains very much the case, with the Chelsea hierarchy hoping that they will be able to extend Colwill's contract past 2025.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are preparing to make a new bid for the prospect over the coming days.
Having initially had a £30m offer rejected, the next proposal is expected to be substantially higher, with Brighton aware that they will be recouping any money spent through the sale of Moises Caicedo.
The South Coast outfit are allegedly insistent that they will not sell the Ecuador international to Chelsea for anything lower than £80m, some reports suggesting that they may hold out for £100m.
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Brighton's hierarchy have seemingly decided that they will retain a firm stance over Caicedo unless Chelsea weaken their respective position regarding Colwill.
That said, Chelsea are reportedly hopeful that the planned exit of Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal will convince Colwill that he is line to become an important player under Pochettino.
Furthermore, Benoit Badiashile - Chelsea's other left-sided centre-back - is injured until at least August, freeing up another slot for Colwill to take ahead of the new season.
With regards to Caicedo, Brighton boss De Zerbi as a pact with the midfielder that he will be allowed to leave the Amex Stadium this summer, a result of the player refocusing all of his efforts on helping Brighton finish in the top six of the Premier League after missing out on a January move to Arsenal.
Darren Plant
