Liverpool have been told that summer target Levi Colwill will not be sold by Chelsea, according to a new report.
Football Insider claimed in April that the Reds were interested in signing the England youth international centre-back, who will represent his nation in the U21 European Championships this summer.
The 21-year-old has spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Brighton, where he has impressed with his defensive attributes, ball-playing abilities and his effectiveness in pressing up the pitch.
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His style of play has been a good fit for boss Roberto De Zerbi, and he has made 17 Premier League appearances this term.
Speaking last week after Brighton's victory over Southampton, which secured Europa League football for next season, Colwill responded to The Athletic when asked about his future: "Brighton have done a lot for me. They put their trust in me when others didn't and I'm a person that loves to repay that. We'll see.
"I don't know what is going to happen. I'm still here until the end of the season. I just focus on that, then I've got the Euros in the summer."
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With the Daily Mail claiming that a number of homegrown Chelsea players, including Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, could leave Stamford Bridge, there has been doubt over the future of Colwill, whose contract expires in 2024.
But a new update appears to have removed those doubts for now.
Liverpool sent Colwill message
According to the Daily Mail, Brighton have submitted a £30 million bid to sign the centre-back - which has been turned down by Chelsea.
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It is claimed that the Blues have told Brighton they have no interest in selling Colwill, and will knock back any further offers for his services.
But the Seagulls could yet re-enter the race, given that Chelsea reportedly had a verbal offer rejected by Brighton for midfielder Moises Caicedo in January. However, journalist Simon Phillips claims the Blues could go back in for the Ecuadorian this summer.
But the initial hands-off warning from Mauricio Pochettino's side will certainly hand a dilemma to Liverpool. Goal reported back in March that manager Jurgen Klopp was eyeing a new centre-back to add to his squad - an issue that has become more urgent following the tactical switch to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in an inverted wing-back role.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Levi Colwill, Brighton And Hove Albion, Chelsea, Premier League, Transfers