Impressive Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill will be given the opportunity to stake his claim to a first-team place in pre-season after his spell at Huddersfield Town comes to an end, 90min understands.
The centre-back has been a standout performer in the Championship this season, helping the Terriers to 12 clean sheets in a promotion push that looks likely to end in a play-off place.
Dubbed 'the next John Terry', the 19-year-old is a natural defender and is adept with the ball at his feet - even boasting that most coveted of assets for a modern centre-back: a left foot.
90min understands that the belief among the coaching staff and loan managers at his parent club is that Colwill has the potential to become a top-level central defender for Chelsea, and he will be given the opportunity to prove his worth during pre-season.
If the youngster does not do enough to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's first-team squad, then a Premier League loan will almost certainly beckon when a decision is made over his future.
The likes of Everton, Leicester and Southampton have been touted as potential destinations recently, while Huddersfield will be desperate to keep hold of the defender should they be promoted back to the top flight.
However, there is a firm belief at Chelsea that Colwill has all the attributes to convince Tuchel he deserves his place - and he could even push to start.
Chelsea's central defensive options are set to be decimated in the summer with both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen highly likely to walk away from the club on free transfers. Both players' contracts will expire at the end of June, with Christensen's move to Barcelona all but sealed.
Rudiger, meanwhile, is a target for Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United - as well as Barça. However, 90min understands the 29-year-old is awaiting the outcome of Chelsea's ongoing takeover auction in the hope that it might lead to an improved contract proposal from the new owners.
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Source : 90min