Wesley Fofana has sent a message of congratulations to fellow Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill after the England Under-21 star helped the young Three Lions to win the European Championships.
Lee Carsley's side narrowly beat Spain in a controversy filled final in Georgia, meaning that since 2017 England have a major tournament victory at U17, U19, U20 and now U21 level. Having come through the ranks in the international set-up, Colwill is one of the highest rated players around.
Having just finished his first Premier League season, a successful loan away at Brighton despite finding gametime initially hard to come by, he is now in-demand across the market. Not only are Chelsea desperate to keep their 20-year-old defender, a host of clubs across the continent are waiting with baited breath for any sign of trouble.
Colwill has two years left on his initial contract at Chelsea, a deal which can be extended by a further year by the club if playing criteria are met. The Blues are aware of the circling clubs, though, and are keen to tie him down to a long-term contract, especially after losing Mason Mount earlier this summer.
Liverpool are one of the sides ready to make a move if they get indication that not everything is progressing smoothly, football.london understands.
The player, though, is not yet ready to commit himself to the cause having not met with Mauricio Pochettino. Even though it is understood Chelsea value Colwill extremely highly and see him as a key part of their short and long-term future, discussions are needed before any progress is made.
When asked about pre-season preparations for Colwill, who will now return to Chelsea in the coming days ahead of the tour of America later this month, Pochettino said: "We spoke yesterday with Levi and Noni [Madueke]. One I know, Noni, from Tottenham, in the Under-18s. Of course Levi I know," Pochettino said in his first press conference as Chelsea head coach.
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"I wish them all the best tomorrow. It's true that, for me, it's difficult because they're in Spain. We wish them all the best. We're waiting for them to be in the team. I think they will fly to America and join us."
The wishes were well placed as England came out on top with a 1-0 win thanks to a deflected free-kick going in off Curtis Jones. Colwill made things nervy in the final minute, though, giving away a penalty late on which was saved by James Trafford. The miss ensured England went through the entire tournament without conceding a goal.
At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea winger Madueke was a substitute having been rotated out of the side in a flexible frontline throughout the tournament. The 21-year-old impressed massively during the games despite not scoring but perhaps made the biggest impact during celebrations afterwards.
Whilst live streaming the reaction of his England teammates, Madueke pulled Colwill to one side and said: “Listen, we’re both coming back. He is as well. Listen, I’ll make sure he comes back.”
Meanwhile, Colwill seemed to turn away from the camera with a bemused look on his face, sparking debate over the meaning of his actions. Chelsea, though, will have the chance to prove their admiration and pitch plans to Colwill soon enough.
Getting in ahead of time, Fofana has since sent a message to both Colwill and Madueke on Instagram, reposting Chelsea's post of the pair with the caption: "Doing things the Chelsea way. [trophy emoji]" Fofana then wrote: "@nonzinoo10 x @levicolwill [clapping emoji, trophy emoji]."
Fofana will now be hoping he can link-up with Colwill in Pochettino's defence as soon as possible and for many years to come.
