Brighton are preparing a new bid for Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window, per recent reports. The 20-year-old spent the season on loan with the Seagulls, where he played a huge part in the side securing Europa League football for the next campaign.
The south coast side were said to have lodged a £30million bid for the England youth international that was turned down by the Blues. football.london understands that the west London outfit have been very impressed with his progress and he's expected to be a key player under new boss Mauricio Pochettino - and therefore he is not for sale.
Colwill has just two-years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and Roberto De Zerbi's public admission that he would like to sign the defender permanently could throw a new issue into the mix. "I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years," the Italian coach told the media.
"It’s difficult to find a 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."
On top of that, there have been questions as to whether his future is committed to the Blues, risking backlash from fans with a social media post following Chelsea's 4-1 defeat to Manchester United. The Cobham academy graduate could offer plenty for the future with Chelsea if he were to stay, with an emphasis held on the youth.
Thiago Silva, for example, may not be at the club for years to come as the 38-year-old nears the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge. Multiple unnamed clubs from Saudi Arabia are also interested in signing the Brazilian and have made contact with Chelsea, a source has told football.london.
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The Blues also face pressure to hold onto Colwill as Fabrizio Romano reports that Brighton are preparing a £40million bid for the centre-back. It's a £10million increase from their previous offer, which would mark a record transfer for the Seagulls in their quest for European glory next season.
However, Chelsea's stance on Colwill not being for sale this summer means that an acceptance of such an offer seems unlikely at this stage. There's plenty of twists and turns remaining in the transfer window though, so it remains to be seen whether the situation may change.
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