Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that loan star Levi Colwill would be ready to step into the Chelsea first-team if Thiago Silva departs this summer.
Colwill, 20, moved to the Amex on a season-long deal back in the summer and has earned plenty of plaudits following a string of commanding performances.
The Chelsea academy graduate is expected to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and will be given the chance to stake a claim under a new head coach, with Mauricio Pochettino set to be confirmed as the new Blues boss in the coming days.