Chelsea's hopes of keeping hold of Levi Colwill are set to be tested once again in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a permanent move to Brighton following his impressive loan move.
Colwill started 17 games in all competitions for Roberto De Zerbi's side to help them qualify for the Europa League for the first time in their history. His performances have led to the Seagulls considering to break their club-record transfer fee for his services.
"I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years," Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said. "It's difficult to find another centre-back, left centre-back, with his quality. He's a good guy, I think he's improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic, I hope he can stay with us."
According to the Daily Mail, Brighton are prepared to make an offer in the region of £40million for the defender - a £10million increase to their first offer. Chelsea's stance is to keep the centre-back after being impressed with his progress in the last year, football.london understands, with him expected to be a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
Colwill faces tough competition for a place in Chelsea's side next season. However, apart from Benoit Badiashile, he is the only left-footed centre-back at the club, an attractive attribute for the Blues.
There has been talk of Todd Boehly using Colwill as part of his move to sign Moises Caicedo. The Blues are strongly interested in the Ecuador international and are expected to push for a move in the coming weeks.
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However, Chelsea's resolve over Colwill is due to be tested once again following Brighton's windfall of £35million from the sale of Alexis Mac Allister. The World Cup winner has reportedly 'signed' for Liverpool after becoming one of the Premier League's most consistent performers in the last year.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have triggered a clause in Mac Allister's contract to sign him for such a low transfer fee. The sale will be the Seagulls' third highest departure, behind Ben White's move to Arsenal and Chelsea's £62million signing of Marc Cucurella.
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