Frank Lampard’s Everton are reportedly involved in a transfer battle to sign impressive Chelsea defensive prospect Levi Colwill.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio on his official website, Everton are among several clubs keeping tabs on Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old joined the Blues in 2011 and has since come through the ranks at the west London club. Colwill is yet to make his senior Chelsea debut but continues to make waves with his performances on loan at Championship side, Huddersfield Town.
Primarily a centre-back, the youngster can also do a fine job at left-back. Colwill has made 27 appearances for the Terriers this season, scoring twice and assisting once. The Chelsea loanee has also helped them keep 12 clean sheets.
Carlos Corberan’s side are currently third in the English second division and are in with a shot to gain promotion to the top flight. Should they succeed in their venture, Colwill will have a big role to play in the handful of games left this season.
Understandably Huddersfield remain keen to keep the player on should they gain promotion to the Premier League, but they will have Everton to contend with in the race to sign the Chelsea defensive prospect. Everton face competition from fellow Premier League sides Leicester City, and Southampton, while Championship leaders Fulham also remain interested.
Everton, for their part, are fighting for their lives to avoid relegation under former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. The surprise win over Manchester United last weekend certainly aids their cause, but there is still some way to go before the season draws to a close.
A major weakness the Toffees have had this season is the inability to keep clean sheets. Michael Keane might be experienced but has proven to be a liability to the Merseysiders throughout the campaign. A change is needed at the back should Everton retain their top-flight status.
Lampard, for his part, has shown himself capable of developing youth and has not shied away from keeping his faith in ability over experience. Whether Colwill will soon join that list, albeit at Everton, remains to be seen.
Chelsea, for their part, are impressed by the 19-year-old’s progress and will decide on his future in the summer. The Blues look set to lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for free and will need to bring in reinforcements at centre-back.
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In Colwill, Chelsea have a potential solution to what could be a potential difficult summer ahead of next season. It could turn worse should the UK government fail to lift the club’s sanctions. Either way, they will do well to assess Colwill’s chances of making it at the top level.
The 19-year-old’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2025, and Chelsea hold the aces when it comes to negotiations. Whether Colwill will be promoted to the senior Chelsea squad or move to Everton or another club remains to be seen.