Chelsea are reportedly keen to press ahead with agreeing a new long-term contract with defender Levi Colwill.
The 20-year-old has long been regarded as one of the best prospects to emerge from the club's academy system in recent memory, yet he is still to make his senior debut for the Blues.
Instead, Colwill made 32 appearances for Huddersfield Town in 2021-22, helping them reach the Championship playoff final, before his 17 Premier League outings for Brighton & Hove Albion last season contributed to their Europa League qualification.
If reports are to be believed, the Seagulls are willing to pay in excess of £40m to sign the England Under-21 international on a permanent deal.
However, Chelsea are said to have no interest in parting ways with Colwill this summer, partly due to Mauricio Pochettino's desire to work with the youngster.
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As it stands, though, Colwill only has two years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge, providing him with a certain level of power regarding the next phase of his career.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are eager to provide Colwill with the terms that will convince him to commit his future to the club.
Nevertheless, the report gives every indication that Colwill is in no rush to sign a new contract, preferring to see where he fits in Pochettino's plans.
With Kalidou Koulibaly having been sold to Al-Hilal, Colwill will effectively take the Senegal international's place in the senior ranks for 2023-24.
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That said, Chelsea are still well-stocked for options in the middle of their backline with Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah all in line to rival Colwill for a starting spot.
With Colwill on England duty at the Under-21 European Championship, talks are yet to be held with Pochettino, and discussions will occur before Colwill gives further thought to his options.
Everything points to the Argentine telling Colwill that he will be handed regular game time, potentially from the start of the season with fellow left-sided centre-back Benoit Badiashile having been injured since May.
One potential stumbling block for Colwill on that front is a late start to pre-season training after international duty, the player possibly not joining the rest of the group until the club's pre-season tour of the United States from the middle of July onwards.
Darren Plant
