Liverpool have been handed a significant blow in their pursuit of Chelsea wonderkid Levi Colwill, according to a new report.
The Blues defender has spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Brighton, and has impressed under both Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi.
Colwill is helping the Seagulls in their attempt to qualify for European football - something which cannot be currently said for his parent club.
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The 20-year-old has been particularly praised for his composure on the ball, distribution and ability to play out from the back, and De Zerbi stated last week (quotes via Sussex Live): "I know the quality of Levi Colwill.
"Levi is a left-footer and it is important quality for us because with Levi we can find different line passes, different solutions in the build-up, in the last 40 metres."
According to the Evening Standard, both Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on signing the defender, and believe they can capitalise on Chelsea's need to sell players this summer.
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A recent report from The Athletic on the Blues' decision to sack Graham Potter claims that players had to sit on the floor during team meetings, such is the substantial size of the squad.
Whether Chelsea are able to welcome loan stars such as Colwill back, therefore, is questionable - but a new report claims they are planning for exactly that.
Chelsea 'set to open talks' with Levi Colwill
According to Football Insider, via sources, the Blues plan to open talks with Colwill once he returns from his loan spell at the Amex Stadium.
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It is claimed that the club are well aware of the interest in the 20-year-old, and that a sale may only be rubber-stamped if interested parties pay more than £25 million.
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Chelsea signed left-footed centre-back Benoit Badashile to play as part of a back three in January, with Colwill likely to be competing directly with the Frenchman if he does return to Stamford Bridge.
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Other clubs may be able to offer him more playing time, however. Even if that is not the case, with Liverpool and City potentially both involved in Europe this season, the England youth international may see a move as advantageous to continue his development as a player.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / PRiME Media Images/Alamy Live NewsTopics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Transfers, Levi Colwill, Premier League