Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly placed Chelsea defender Levi Colwill on a shortlist of potential signings.
The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively, starring at each club to further enhance his reputation.
Before the Under-21 European Championship, Chelsea had already planned to keep Colwill in their squad for next season, with Mauricio Pochettino eager to use the prospect as one of his central defenders.
However, as a result of featuring in an England Under-21s side that won the tournament without conceding a goal, more clubs appear ready to test Chelsea's resolve.
Brighton's interest in sealing a permanent deal has been well-documented, with Chelsea having allegedly turned down proposals worth in the region of £40m.
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Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the player with Jurgen Klopp, at some stage, needing to refresh his backline like he is currently doing with the club's midfield.
While Chelsea remain adamant that Colwill will not depart Stamford Bridge this summer, possessing a contract until 2025 effectively leaves Colwill in a position of power with regards to his future.
Colwill will not consider penning fresh terms until he has spoken to Pochettino and established whether he will be a first-choice pick in Chelsea's defence.
According to the Evening Standard, Spurs are contemplating whether they should get involved in the race for his signature.
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Spurs are currently in the process of attempting to sign Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van den Ven in a deal worth in excess of £25m.
That said, reports have indicated that Liverpool may instead look to beat Spurs in that particular race, resulting in Spurs potentially needing to look elsewhere.
The Chelsea man would cost significantly more than Van de Ven, yet Spurs theoretically understand the value of acquiring the services of a player of Colwill's calibre and stature.
Nevertheless, given the rivalry of the two sides, Chelsea's hierarchy are highly likely to reject any attempt from their London neighbours unless it is substantially more lucrative than other proposals.
Darren Plant
