Chelsea are reportedly growing increasingly confident that they will agree a new contract with Levi Colwill later this summer.
Although the defender is regarded as one of the best talents to emerge from the club's academy during the past decade, the England Under-21 international is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the Blues.
Instead, Colwill has impressed on loan at each of Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, the latter known to want to retain the 20-year-old's services on a permanent basis.
However, despite it allegedly hindering their efforts to sign Moises Caicedo from the same club, Chelsea have remained firm in their stance that they will not allow Colwill to depart Stamford Bridge.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has also acknowledged that Colwill is in his plans for the upcoming campaign, with the player in contention to start against Liverpool - also admirers of his ability - in the Premier League opener on August 13.
© Reuters
As it stands, though, Colwill's contractual situation remains an issue with just under two years remaining and Chelsea's owners having a preference of no player reaching the final 12 months in that context.
In recent weeks, the impression has been that Colwill and his representatives will bide their time before making a firm decision on the next phase of his career.
According to The Guardian, though, the situation may be turning in Chelsea's favour after recent discussions between the relevant parties.
The report claims that Chelsea are now in advanced talks with Colwill's camp and there is optimism that a positive resolution will be found in due course.
© Reuters
Chelsea allegedly need to reassure Colwill that he will receive regular action in the Premier League, with the player likely to anticipate a prominent first-team role.
During pre-season, Colwill has made an 80-minute outing versus Brighton and was handed the second half versus Fulham on Sunday, with the player's game time having been partially restricted having been representing England Under-21s at the European Championship as recently as three weeks ago.
While Chelsea are in the process of signing Axel Disasi from Monaco, Wesley Fofana has been ruled out for much of the campaign and offers will be considered for Trevoh Chalobah.
Colwill is theoretically in direct competition with Benoit Badiashile, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, for the left-sided centre-back role.
