SAINTS target Levi Colwill admitted “playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim” ahead of his Championship play-off final with Huddersfield Town.
The 19-year-old Southampton-born centre-back could help his side to promotion with a victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium today.
Colwill, who is another of Chelsea’s promising starlets, has excelled in the Championship and is set for Premier League action next season – no matter what happens.
The Daily Echo understands his performances have attracted interest from Saints, who signed Tino Livramento, Armando Broja and Dynel Simeu from the Blues ranks last summer.
The St Mary’s outfit are not the only side Colwill has alerted, and the youngster has been speaking about his future – not ruling out a Huddersfield return.
"There’s too much respect for me to close the door (on Huddersfield)”, Colwill told the Yorkshire Post.
“We need to get promotion first, which is the only thing I’m thinking of right now. I’m not planning for next year, all I can focus on right now is Wembley on Sunday and then the internationals after that.”
The England under-21 starlet added: “After when I’ve finished all of that, well that’s when I’ll start thinking about that.
"For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now because it’s my club. But if that doesn’t happen, well then I have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be."
Colwill has made 30 appearances in the Championship this season – his first senior campaign away from the Chelsea youth teams.
The six-foot two-inch centre-back is clever on the ball and fits what manager Ralph Hasenhuttl wants in the summer window.
Sport Republic are keen to continue the model of signing talented young players to develop, but would face stiff competition for this youngster’s signature.
Blues manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken about wanting his more successful loanees to take part in pre-season.
The comment was made in reference to Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, but it would be no surprise to see that extend to Colwill as well.
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