Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could still play a ‘prominent role’ in the first-team next season, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Speculation surrounding the 19-year-old’s future has been circling recently as Thomas Tuchel presses ahead with plans to significantly strengthen his backline this summer.

What is the latest news involving Colwill?

A recent report from The Guardian revealed that both Leicester City and Southampton are interested in snapping up Colwill, while Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be among his potential suitors.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now stated, though, that the England Under-21 international’s future will depend on who Chelsea can lure to Stamford Bridge.

The capital club are close to wrapping up a deal for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe is also on their wish list, although they have ended their pursuit of Manchester City's Nathan Ake.

Romano claims that Colwill ‘could leave’ if new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly signs three new centre-backs despite impressing during a season-long loan spell at Huddersfield Town last term.

What has Crook said about Colwill?

In recent years, Chelsea has allowed fellow academy graduates Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi to depart for AC Milan and Crystal Palace, respectively.

The two central defenders have gone on to excel away from west London, but Crook has informed GiveMeSport that the club’s backroom staff have been pushing for Colwill to stay put.

He told GMS: “I know there's a push from some of the backroom staff not to let him leave this summer, and actually to make him part of the first-team picture.

"But don't be surprised to see him play a prominent role at the start of the season if they don't bring in three central defenders.”

Does Colwill deserve a chance at Chelsea?

Colwill produced three goal contributions in 32 appearances for Huddersfield throughout 2021/22, playing a pivotal part as they reached the Championship play-off final, leading to Lewis O'Brien hailing him as "fantastic".

As per WhoScored, the 6 foot 2 ace won 2.9 aerial duels, made 1.7 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.3 clearances, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

The teenager certainly showed during his time at the John Smith's Stadium that he has a bright future ahead of him, but whether that is at Chelsea or elsewhere remains to be seen.

While the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James have been given opportunities to flourish, stars such as Tomori and Tammy Abraham have not. And Colwill has now reached a similar crossroads to those who have gone before him.