Levi Colwill adds fire to Liverpool rumours with latest comments

Levi Colwill has handed Chelsea an ultimatum amid rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The 20-year-old centre back has emerged as target for Liverpool in recent days, following news that the Reds have made "multiple enquiries" about his availability.

While Chelsea's stance is that they don't want to sell, the player has just two years remaining on his current contract, putting the Blues in a tricky position. Journalist David Lynch has said that if Liverpool "got even the slightest hint they could do a deal ... they would pay a big fee for him."

Reports last week suggested that Colwill's future would hinge on his upcoming contract talks and first meeting with new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Colwill himself has not put an end to the speculation. A piece from the Daily Mail carries quotes from the defender about his future, in relation to the success he has just enjoyed in winning the Under-21 Euros in Georgia.

READ MORE: Levi Colwill — Why Chelsea defender is a better fit for Liverpool than Josko Gvardiol

"Everyone has to pay attention to every player here," Colwill said. "I feel like this team we had was more than just individuals. In the past England might have lacked with that. We’ve always had great players but I think this team is so much different. I love this team.

"I’ll speak to my family, speak to everyone I need to and make a decision. I’ve got to play at the end of the day, to hopefully get there and go to the next (senior) camp."

What Colwill's game time at Chelsea looks like next season is not clear. Pochettino already has Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah battling for places, in addition to the former Brighton loanee.

If Colwill is not given assurances and decides against signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will find themselves in an uncomfortable situation — similar to the one they just went through with Mason Mount, in which there may ultimately be no option but to sell.

Apart from Liverpool's interest, Brighton have already seen at least one bid rejected for the centre back this summer.

Would Colwill suit Liverpool?

Anfield Watch's Sam McGuire writes: "There is a clear pathway to minutes at Liverpool. In the short-term, he rivals Robertson for the left-sided role. In the long-term, he replaces Van Dijk.

"It sounds like a big ask but he’s one of a handful of players in Europe who is a complete defender in the sense that he is brilliant in possession - ranking in the 99th percentile for passes attempted, in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes and in the 88th percentile for progressive carries, while also being solid defensively and a bully in the air - winning over 70% of his aerial duels for Brighton, per FBref."