By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

27th May, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Brighton exploring permanent deal for Levi Colwill as talks scheduled

Brighton are exploring a potential permanent deal for on-loan defender Levi Colwill this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

However, Chelsea are keen to keep hold of the young defender and plan to sit down with him in the off-season to discuss a new contract with the club.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Brighton believe they have a chance of convincing Chelsea to do a deal for the 20-year-old despite the Blues’ “hands-off” stance over their player.

Colwill has spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan with the Seagulls and has lived up to his billing as a top young talent – with most in the game expecting him to star for England in future.

The former Huddersfield loanee has featured 23 times for Brighton this season, grabbing three assists.

He became a key member of the Seagulls’ rearguard over the course of the campaign as they secured European football for the first time in their history.

Colwill has already been capped five times at the Under-21 level for the Three Lions – and has made 20 appearances in total for his country across every age group.

It is also believed that Colwill has really enjoyed his time at Brighton and would be attracted to working under De Zerbi for another season – helping his loan club in their first-ever venture into European football next season.

A major factor in the decision the starlet makes will be the amount of game time he is guaranteed as he wants to continue his progression and make the grade in the senior England set-up.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

The incoming manager is a big fan of Colwill and could be the convincing factor in him signing a new long-term deal at Chelsea – with his current deal set to expire in June 2025.

In other news, De Zerbi makes up mind over Tottenham job after new twist