Mauricio Pochettino set to play ‘key’ role over Levi Colwill’s future as Chelsea offer new long-term deal

Chelsea have made their move to try to tie Levi Colwill down to a new long-term contract this summer.

The 20-year-old spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion and impressed, which has seen the Seagulls want to sign him on a permanent basis. Manchester City and Liverpool have also previously expressed interest.

But Chelsea think highly of Colwill, shown last summer when they refused to let him leave on a permanent basis, and plans were made to offer him a new contract ahead of the 2023/24 season.

He will report back to their Cobham training base next month for pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino, who officially starts his head coach tenure on July 1, and Chelsea have begun their efforts of extending his current deal.

As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Chelsea have offered Colwill a new long-term contract.

However, Colwill is reportedly wanting clarity over his role at Chelsea and will seek talks with Pochettino over his position in the side. The Englishman doesn’t want to play a back-up role at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea currently have Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, at their disposal, with Cesar Azpilicueta expected to leave the club this summer.

Pochettino is claimed to be a ‘known admirer’ of Colwill and is set to play a key role over the central defender’s future in west London.

Brighton have already seen a £40 million bid rejected this month after an initial £30 million offer was turned down.

Colwill is currently at the Under-21 European Championship with England, who have secured progression into the knockout stages. They face Portugal on Sunday evening.