Southampton are interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, according to reports.
The Blues are set to make a final decision on 19-year-old Colwill this summer, with Southampton wanting to make a move.
Having spent last season on loan with Huddersfield Town in the Championship, the young defender impressed enough to register the interest of Premier League clubs.
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He made 32 appearances and helped Huddersfield advance to the play-off final, where they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Nottingham Forest at Wembley last month.
Colwill is now attracting more interest, this time down on the south coast, with talkSPORT reporting that the Saints are interested in the centre-back.
Thomas Tuchel will give the defender a chance to impress during Chelsea’s pre-season before making a decision on his future at the club.
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Chelsea have already lost the services of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid on a free transfer, and Danish defender Andreas Christensen is likely heading to Barcelona as well, meaning there are open slots to fight for in the Blues’ backline.
Chelsea are set to sign two centre-backs this window, Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus the number one target, while long-term target Jules Kounde, Nathan Ake and Kalidou Kouliably are also among those being considered.
With arrivals expected, it will make Colwill’s future unclear, potentially resulting in an exit, until Tuchel delivers his final verdict.
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As quoted by The Sun, Colwill confirmed: “For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now, because it is my club.
“But if that does not happen, then I will have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be.”
There is a desire to break through at Chelsea, but Colwill knows in order to guarantee regular playing time, he may have to make a move away.
On top of the interest declared by Southampton, other Premier League clubs are chasing the signature of the defender.
Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Brighton and newly promoted Nottingham Forest are all keen on trying to secure a permanent deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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Colwill is highly rated but despite this Chelsea might be willing to listen to permanent offers where they can cash in on the player if he is not part of the plans
With the Saints wanting to complete a deal, Colwill could see himself linking back up with Tino Livramento, who he previously played with in the Cobham academy.
This could be either a loan or permanent move, and now it’s down to Tuchel to make a decision next month ahead of the new season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Levi Colwill, Southampton, Premier League, Football