Levi Colwill proved he can perform in the Premier League after a brilliant loan spell with Brighton last season. The 20-year-old defender, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2025, featured 17 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League last season, helping Roberto De Zerbi's side keep five clean sheets.
Colwill is set to return to Chelsea this summer but he is facing an uncertain future at the club. Mauricio Pochettino wants the chance to talk to the 20-year-old about how he fits into his squad - but Liverpool are among the interested parties monitoring the England Under-21 international's situation.
football.london understands the Blues currently have no interest in a sale for the 20-year-old, but teams are following in case that changes. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at the latest headlines concerning the future of Colwill.
Liverpool response
Levi Colwill is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea with Liverpool among the clubs interested in signing the young defender. Mauricio Pochettino has said he will have talks with Colwill over his place in the squad and expectations of each other this season amid transfer links.
During a recent Instagram livestream, the Chelsea starlet was talking to a close friend and the subject of Liverpool's transfer interest in Colwill was brought up. The 20-year-old shut down talk of a move away from Stamford Bridge with the response: "No football talk, man."
Transfer ultimatum
Colwill has stated he must be playing regular football next season if he wants to break into the England senior squad, hinting at a potential ultimatum for Chelsea this summer. He said after the under 21s European Championship victory: "We’re all pushing and knocking on the door. Everyone has to pay attention to every player here. I feel like this team we had was more than just individuals.
"In the past England might have lacked with that. We’ve always had great players but I think this team is so much different. I love this team. I’ll speak to my family, speak to everyone I need to and make a decision. I’ve got to play at the end of the day, to hopefully get there and go to the next [senior] camp.
"But if I’m here, I’ll still be happy. You’ve always got to be happy when you’re picked for any England age group. It’s an honour."
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Colwill to Liverpool, new home kit reveal, Dybala claim
Mauricio Pochettino claim
Mauricio Pochettino has said he will have talks with Colwill over his place in the squad and expectations of each other this season amid transfer links. He said in his first Chelsea press conference: "He is a Chelsea player and in the last few months [on loan] at Brighton he was playing really well.
"He is one of our players and I need to talk with him when he arrives next week. I need to get a feel for him. I need to hear what he has in his mind, what he expects. And then, of course, for him to listen to what I expect from him."
Liverpool interest
football.london understands that Liverpool are monitoring a move for Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill this summer, with Brighton also linked with a switch, football.london also understands the Blues currently have no interest in a sale for the 20-year-old, but teams are following in case that changes.
Contract plan
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea's plan this summer is to keep the England Under-21 international and offer him a bumper new deal. The report states that the Seagulls will submit another bid for Colwill soon while Kalidou Koulibaly remains at the club.
However, the Blues are looking to offload the 31-year-old defender, who only joined last year, in order to help make guarantees to the youngster.
Southgate verdict
Gareth Southgate issued his verdict on Colwill after the defender was invited to train with the senior England squad in June. The Three Lions boss said: "We wanted to have him with us for the week. We lost Lewis Dunk earlier in the week so we were a defender short. He will stay with us certainly until we get back to Manchester and we are able to assess where we are within this group and who is available for the next game.
"But the intention is that he is with the under-21s and we want to get him back into that because that’s an important tournament for his development as well. But he’s done really well, he’s settled in very, very well with the group. We know he’s a good player already, although he’s young. We’re impressed with his mentality, have been all season, and his mentality."
De Zerbi claim
Ahead of Brighton's clash against Manchester City, De Zerbi said: "I hope he can play with us also next year but it’s his decision and the decision of Chelsea. I don’t know. We have to be ready to change some players but of course Levi is a top player for us."
It has not been the first time the Italian made his feelings for Colwill known. A month or so prior, before the Arsenal tie, the Brighton boss said: "I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years.
"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."
Colwill backlash
Colwill was subject to criticism from Chelsea supporters after posting an inflammatory post on social media, just minutes after the Blues lost to Manchester United. On Twitter, the youngster was asked how his evening was going to which he replied: "Brilliant!!!!!"
