Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his desire to keep hold of Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill beyond the end of the season.
Following a breakthrough campaign on loan at Championship club Huddersfield Town last season, reaching the playoff final at Wembley, Colwill made the step up to the Premier League by joining Brighton on a season-long loan deal last summer.
The 20-year-old defender has made a notable impression at the Amex Stadium, making 20 appearances in all competitions including 11 Premier League starts.
Colwill started and played for 89 minutes in Brighton's 3-1 top-flight win over Southampton on Sunday, a result that sealed European qualification for the Seagulls for the first time in their history.
The England Under-21 international joined Chelsea at Under-9s level but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, and his long-term future in West London is believed to be uncertain.
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Premier League champions Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with an interest in Colwill, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025.
However, Chelsea allegedly have no intention to sell the left-footed centre-back and believe he can develop into a key first-team player in the near future.
Nevertheless, Brighton boss De Zerbi remains optimistic that he can persuade Colwill to remain at the Amex for next season, although he has admitted that Chelsea will make the final decision on his future.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Man City, De Zerbi said: "I hope Levi can play with us next year, but it's the decision of Chelsea.
"We have to be ready to change some players, but he's a top player for us."
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De Zerbi, who has been described by Pep Guardiola as 'one of the most influential managers over the last 20 years', has also commented on the futures of in-demand midfielders Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, who have attracted interest from a host of top Premier League clubs.
Arsenal are believed to be one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Caicedo, who was the subject of two January bids worth up to £70m from the Gunners in January, while Mac Allister is reportedly closing in on a summer switch to Liverpool, although Man City could allegedly attempt to hijack a deal.
De Zerbi hopes that Brighton's European qualification can persuade both players to remain at the club next season, adding: "We can offer Moises and Alexis the opportunity to play in Europe. Our level is bigger now.
"They are very good guys and it will help. I think for myself and the club but also for the players - they have one life and we can't decide for them."
Brighton will guarantee a top-six finish in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League if they can at least claim a point against Man City on Wednesday.
Oliver Thomas
