01 August 2023 , 21:11
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Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that Levi Colwill will play a prominent role for Chelsea as the defender prepares to sign a new long-term contract.
Colwill, 20, has yet to make a senior appearance for the Blues but made a major impression in the Premier League on loan at Brighton last term; so much so that the Seagulls lodged a £30million bid for his services earlier in the transfer window. Liverpool are also understood to be admirers of the talented young centre-half.
But Colwill is now poised to put an end to speculation over his future after agreeing terms in principle over a new six-year deal.
Blues head coach Pochettino, who officially started his new role at the start of July, was full or praise for Colwill ahead of the club's pre-season clash against Borussia Dortmund, and also hinted that he was looking forward to seeing more of the England Under-21 star.
Speaking in the United States, Pochettino said of Colwill: "At the moment I need to see him and know each other better. He is a fantastic talent. We are talking also how we can improve his game in all of the areas. He is so relaxed, so calm. I enjoy when I talk with him, great character, great personality. So happy to have him in the squad and the possibility to work together."
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Pochettino's comments on Colwill came shortly after the defender released a statement on social media effectively confirming he would not be returning to Brighton this year.
Join the debate! Chelsea fans: should Colwill be in Pochettino's starting XI this season ? Let us know here.
Levi Colwill is poised to sign a new six-year contract with Chelsea (Getty Images)The Chelsea academy graduate, who is set to put pen-to-paper in the coming days, also appeared to take a subtle swipe at former boss Thomas Tuchel after thanking the Seagulls for giving him a platform to play when "no one else did".
"To Brighton and Hove Albion. I am proud to have played a small part in the clubs success last season," he wrote on social media. "You gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League when no one else did. I thank Graham Potter for first bringing me to the club and to all the employees at the stadium and training ground for making it a great place to perform and develop
"To the fans, you've always had my back! Since I got into the side, your continuous support made me feel comfortable to play the way I wanted to play and not fear about making mistakes. You gave me a platform to shine and show my ability in the best league of the world. I will never forget that you supported me.
"Lastly Roberto De Zerbi, you challenged me every day! You made me think and see football in a different way. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you again LC."
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