Levi Colwill: Brighton Risk Angering Chelsea in Pursuit of In-Demand Defender
Levi Colwill is one of the most in-demand defenders in Europe right now, and Brighton have risked angering Chelsea in their pursuit of the 20-year-old. Colwill enjoyed a successful loan spell on the south coast last season and played a key role in England’s triumphant European Under-21 Championship campaign.
Chelsea are desperate to retain the defender’s services, and Mauricio Pochettino is seeking clear the air talks with a player who has little intention of playing a back-up role at Stamford Bridge next season. Adam Lallana added fuel to the fire by replying to Colwill’s Instagram story with a message that read ‘We are waiting for you bro’ followed by the eyes and kiss emojis. Brighton responded to that message by sending out a Tweet of their own… a picture of Lallana and the emojis the former Liverpool star had used himself.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of Colwill
Chelsea finished just 12th in the Premier League last season but will hope to challenge for the top-four under ex-Tottenham, PSG and Southampton boss Pochettino. Asked about the young defender during his first press conference as Chelsea manager last week, Pochettino said: ‘I need to get a feel for him. I need to hear what he has in his mind. What he expects. And then, of course, for him to listen to what I expect from him.’
Brighton’s Interest in Colwill
Brighton have been keen to bring Colwill back to the Amex Stadium for some time, and Adam Lallana’s message has only increased their determination to sign the defender. The Seagulls are willing to offer Colwill a long-term contract and believe they can provide him with the perfect platform to continue his development.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen where Levi Colwill will be playing his football next season, but it is clear that both Chelsea and Brighton are keen to secure his services. With Pochettino now in charge at Stamford Bridge, it is likely that Colwill will be given an opportunity to prove himself at Chelsea, but Brighton are still hopeful that they can convince him to return to the south coast.