Liverpool have allegedly identified Chelsea defender Levi Colwill as a potential future transfer target.
When each centre-back is available, Jurgen Klopp has a wide array of options to choose from, but the Liverpool boss has had to contend with fitness issues in the middle of his defence throughout this campaign.
Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have all spent periods on the sidelines, ensuring that Nat Phillips has remained at Anfield rather than been allowed to join a new club.
However, at least half of those players have their futures up in the air at present, including Gomez and Matip who have failed to impress this campaign.
Phillips will also likely leave on a permanent or temporary basis during the summer, and it leaves Klopp to contemplate alternatives and new competition for Van Dijk and Konate.
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According to Football Insider, Liverpool officials have been left impressed by the progression of Colwill during 2022-23.
After impressing on loan at Championship side Huddersfield Town last season, the England Under-21 was allowed to link up with Brighton & Hove Albion on a similar deal.
Although the 20-year-old has been restricted to nine starts and two substitute outings due to injury, he has made a positive impact at the Amex Stadium.
Colwill has been sidelined since the middle of January, his last appearance coming against Liverpool as the Seagulls prevailed by a 3-0 scoreline.
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Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi has talked up the importance of Colwill, who is currently due to return to parent club Chelsea in the summer.
Colwill has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025, although a sale cannot be ruled out later this year with the West Londoners allegedly particularly open to cashing in on at least one homegrown talent to boost their position with FFP.
Graham Potter, now the Chelsea head coach, gave the green light to Brighton signing Colwill on loan before he left the club a month later.
As it stands, Chelsea are well stocked for central defenders, with Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah all at Potter's disposal.
Darren Plant
