Levi agrees new 6-year Chelsea deal

Levi Colwill has agreed a new six-year deal with Chelsea – ending Brighton’s transfer hopes.

The Seagulls were interested in bringing central defender Colwill, 20, back to the Amex on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last season.

Chelsea rejected a £30m bid for Colwill earlier this summer, who joined up with the Blues on their United States pre-season tour this month following his England U21 Euros success.

Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi also spoke of a potential swap deal with Moises Caicedo – the £100m-rated Ecuadorian midfielder remains a top target for Chelsea.

Yet with Wesley Fofana recovering from recent knee surgery, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino was keen not to weaken his defensive options further, and claimed during pre-season Colwill could become the best centre back in England.

Colwill has now verbally agreed a fresh contract until at least 2029, ending the speculation once and for all.

Left-footed centre back Colwill will have competition for places in Poch’s back four this campaign, including Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Treboh Chalobah and the incoming Axel Disasi from Monaco.