Chelsea are reportedly eager to extend the contract of defender Levi Colwill over the coming months.
Since making progress through the academy system, Colwill has been highly-regarded by the Blues, who view him as a future star of the first team.
As it stands, however, the 20-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for the West Londoners, instead spending time on loan at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion.
On the back of featuring on 32 occasions for the Terriers last season, Colwill has made 10 starts and three substitute outings for the Seagulls this campaign.
Although his development at the latter has been restricted due to injury, the England Under-21 international is regarded as one of Roberto De Zerbi's preferred starters in a back three when fit.
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While Brighton do not possess the option to turn Colwill's loan spell into a permanent move, it is expected that they will try to tempt their Chelsea counterparts into a sale.
At a time when they are struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League, Chelsea announced £121m losses for 2021-22 earlier this week and must make player sales in the summer.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea would prefer to extend Colwill's contract when he returns to his parent club at the end of the season.
His current deal is due to expire in 2025, leaving Chelsea in a position where they could theoretically wait a year before feeling the need to act on his future.
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However, with Colwill's stock on an upward trajectory, there is an awareness that he will attract a wide array of admirers ahead of the following campaign.
Chelsea are already well stocked for central defensive options, with Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah all at Graham Potter's disposal.
That said, Chelsea may soon be in a position where they need to replenish their homegrown quota with other players meeting that criteria being linked with a transfer away from the club.
Potter was also part of the decision to sign Colwill last summer when he was head coach at Brighton, while the youngster is a natural fit on the left-hand side of a back three.
Darren Plant
