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Saints retain interest in Chelsea starlet Colwill despite defender signing

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill spent the season on loan at Huddersfield (Pic: PA)
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill spent the season on loan at Huddersfield (Pic: PA)

SAINTS are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, the Daily Echo understands.

The 19-year-old’s stock his risen enormously over the last campaign after starring for Championship Huddersfield Town in their run to the play-off final.

The Southampton-born youngster endured the misfortune of scoring the own goal that saw Nottingham Forest successful at Wembley on the decisive afternoon.

But that does not change Colwill’s growing reputation, which has only continued to inflate after the 32 appearances in his debut senior season.

Left-footed centre-back, Colwill, is a product of the Cobham academy and will have played alongside the likes of Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu throughout his youth development.

Despite the signing of 20-year-old defender Armel Bella-Kotchap from Bundesliga outfit VfL Bochum – confirmed by Saints last week – the St Mary’s side still retain an interest in promising Colwill.

However, as first reported by The Mirror, Saints are not the only side keen to bring him in if Chelsea are willing to sell – with Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City and Crystal Palace also circling.

Conversations on players’ next steps had been due to happen this week at Chelsea, following the completion of their takeover, and with the players returning for pre-season.

Daily Echo: Levi Colwill at Wembley Stadium (Pic: PA)
Daily Echo: Levi Colwill at Wembley Stadium (Pic: PA)

Levi Colwill at Wembley Stadium (Pic: PA)

After excelling in the Championship, the next obvious step for Colwill is a Premier League test - but he may not get that regularly at Blues.

Those conversing will also include former Saints loanee Armando Broja, whose situation for the upcoming season still remains undecided.

Should Saints make a successful move for Colwill, it would leave them with two left-footed centre-backs with Mohammed Salisu’s continued development.

Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens and Lyanco also currently add to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s options – as well as Salisu and Bella-Kotchap.

Colwill could also leave Chelsea on loan, depending on the decisions made by those including manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

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