Fresh Chelsea transfer claims made as Leicester City face battle to complete deal

Another Premier League club is set to compete with Leicester City for the signature of Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

The Daily Mail claim Crystal Palace have joined the race for the 19-year-old who is also wanted by Southampton, while also having been credited with interest from Arsenal, Brighton and Everton as well as the Foxes.

The Southampton-born England Under-21 international Colwill has spent 10 years with the Blues’ academy system and enjoyed a superb breakthrough campaign with Championship Huddersfield last season, making 32 appearances in all competitions under Carlos Corberan as the Terriers narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the play-off final.

It’s understood that Chelsea are considering a sale amid the prospective arrivals of Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly, potentially for around £75million, to replace the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel may even want another centre back if those two sign, with interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe further potentially pushing Colwill down the pecking order.

Given the widespread interest in the left-sided Colwill, who is considered one of the most promising young talents in the country, and the fact his contract runs until 2025, the fee would likely be sizeable.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, has been reported to need to lighten his wage bill before making signings, with the Daily Mail suggesting the likes of Jannik Vestergaard will be first.

Palace are reportedly among the frontrunners to sign Colwill as Patrick Vieira continues to construct a squad of exciting young players at Selhurst Park.