Levi Colwill has been handed a huge chance to impress Mauricio Pochettino ahead of his return to Chelsea this summer. The 20-year-old defender has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer following his impressive performances while on loan at Brighton.
Colwill, who sees his contract at Cobham 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. The youngster international helped Brighton claim a Europa League qualification spot ahead of Tottenham and, his parent club, Chelsea.
football.london understands that the Blues have been very impressed with Colwill's progress and he's expected to be a key player under Pochettino – and, is, therefore, not for sale. However, it could be difficult for the west Londoners to hold onto Colwill after De Zerbi publicly revealed his intent to re-sign him last month.
In fact, just weeks after the campaign came to a close, Brighton reportedly tabled a bid which was swiftly rejected. Speculation of a departure has since died down since the appointment of Pochettino, who could now have the perfect chance to assess Colwill before he gets his feet under the table.
Following the omission of Lewis Dunk from the England squad due to injury, the Chelsea ace has joined the Three Lions squad for training this week. Gareth Southgate's side are currently preparing for UEFA Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Colwill was initially called up to the England Under-21s side. Now, in the senior squad, he could earn the chance to represent his country if he impresses in training, and thus show Pochettino what all the fuss is about.
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Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand explained why Colwill will be the best option at the beak for the new Blues boss next term. The former Manchester United defender said: "I think Levi Colwill is the best one they have got at Chelsea.
"He’s better than Wesley Fofana and I think he’s better than Benoit Badiashile. Have you seen the way Levi Colwill is playing for Brighton? He has gone to Brighton, his team is higher than Chelsea.
"He is playing unbelievably well in that team. Did you see the way Levi Colwill was slapping that ball around [against Arsenal]? This season, he has been better than Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, 100%."
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