Bournemouth manager Scott Parker is targeting a loan move for Chelsea centre-half Levi Colwill as his first signing of the summer transfer window, according to the MailOnline. The Cherries' interest in the 19-year-old follows their return to the Premier League.
The England youth international, who's been likened to John Terry, has impressed on loan at Huddersfield Town this season, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Championship. He's featured 29 times for the Harriers and his impressive displays have bought his side a ticket to Wembley for a shot at promotion into the top-flight.
Colwill has predominantly operated on the left of a back-three at the John Smith's Stadium, enjoying much of his success threading passes through into his midfielders, winning aerial duels and defending with wisdom beyond his years. The Cobham graduate's performances have already earned the attention of Leicester City, according to The Athletic, but now Bournemouth have joined the race too.
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However, while a Premier League move for the youngster may be on the cards, the report claims that Thomas Tuchel is set to take a closer look at Colwill in pre-season. With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen already set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer once their contracts expire, losing the youngster could serve the Blues a damning blow.
With a big summer on the cards, Colwill has insisted that he's ready for a challenge in the Premier League this season. He said to The Athletic: "I think I'm ready. I've learnt a lot this year, so the next step I hope will be in the Premier League with Chelsea, Huddersfield or whoever."
Having worn the number 26 while on loan at Huddersfield this season, the Chelsea youngster has been compared to club legend and former captain Terry. Colwill said: "I'll take it. I'm not going to complain. It's not a bad thing to be called the new John Terry.
"I haven't made the comparison myself, so the fans and media can make whatever comparisons they want to make, it isn't going to affect me. John Terry is a club legend and leader, someone every centre-back at Chelsea should look up to.
"A great guy and player. I've not had the chance to speak to him too much. When he was around the academy building, we'd have the odd little chat, but it'd be more of a, 'Hi, how are you?' kind of thing, not on a personal level about football or things like that."
Huddersfield faces Luton Town in the two-legged play-off semi-final as Colwill looks to steer the Terriers back into the Premier League with the help of fellow Cobham graduate Tino Anjorin. Either tie will be played on May 13 and May 16.
