Liverpool are hoping to sign England Under-21 star Levi Colwill from Chelsea this summer, following the youngster's impressive season on loan at Brighton.
The 20-year-old made 17 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season, becoming an integral member of the team after Roberto De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter as head coach. Colwill has continued his good form at the Under-21 Euros, helping England reach the final for the first time since 2009.
Unsurprisingly, Brighton are desperate to sign Colwill permanently this summer, with De Zerbi stating: "I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years, because it's difficult to find another left centre-back with his quality. He's improving a lot this year. I hope he can stay with us."
Brighton have had a £30m offer rejected by Chelsea, but Liverpool are also interested with Football London reporting that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Colwill. The fact that he is young, left-footed home-grown and has Premier League experience make him a hugely attractive prospect for Klopp.
Colwill grew up idolising Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and has also been pictured in a Liverpool shirt, with his former coach Lee Hudson sharing a picture of him as a youngster wearing a Reds shirt last August after he made his Premier League debut in Brighton's 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Indeed, Liverpool star Harvey Elliott is known to be friends with Colwill and recently commented on one of his Instagram pictures by posting: "Let's have a chat". However, new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be a big fan of the youngster and is keen for him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Colwill is set to hold talks with Pochettino about his future when he returns from international duty.
"I'm not someone to predict the future," he said when asked about the transfer speculation. "I take it day by day, but it's been an amazing journey. Who knows, we'll see what happens in the summer."
Ahead of the Under-21 Euros, Colwill was invited to train with the England senior team by Gareth Southgate. "Going up and training with them is one thing, but I've got to keep up my performances next season," he added.
"I need to play. I need to do well," he affirmed. "There are so many things that come into you going back there. I don't think it's a case of, 'I'm close now, I might go up on the next camp'.
"I've got to keep playing, and playing well. That will be a big thing for me next season. Gareth watches everything. You have to take that into consideration. It doesn't matter if he's watching training because he always hears things when he isn't. There is never a time to take your foot off the gas.
"You always have to be at 100 per cent because you know he's watching. There are no excuses. That is how you become one of the best.
"He told me he'd be here to watch us and I think that's motivational, not just for me but the whole team knowing the senior coach is coming out. It is a big thing, to be honest. It's that extra push."
