Crystal Palace have been heavily linked with Chelsea defender Levi Colwill so far this summer and the youngster could form a superb partnership with Marc Guehi in Patrick Vieira’s defence.
What’s the word?
Despite a superb season on loan with Huddersfield Town in the Championship, Chelsea could sell the teenage defender this summer, especially following the acquisition of fellow centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Palace are one of several Premier League clubs to take an interest in the youngster, and should the 19-year-old arrive at Selhurst Park, he and Guehi could prove to be a formidable duo at the back for Vieira.
In a recent interview with FootballFanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his thoughts on the potential partnership, saying: “Two young talented players. Huge potential. I think Guehi was a really smart signing last year, he proved that by breaking into the England squad.
“I think him and Colwill do have the makings of a really good centre-back pairing. They’ve both got huge potential so for Crystal Palace it would be a great move if they were able to pull it off.”
Would Colwill be a good signing?
Colwill’s performances last season in the Championship suggest that he is more than ready for the Premier League.
Despite having no real experience of men’s football, he stepped into Huddersfield’s side and was one of their most consistent players as they reached the play-off final.
The Englishman, who reportedly earns £5k per week at Chelsea, made 31 appearances in the second tier, contributing two goals and one assist, with WhoScored awarding him an impressive 6.97 rating for his performances.
Huddersfield head of football operations Leigh Bromby was full of praise for Colwill last season, saying: “He has been excellent and is not only a credit to himself but Chelsea, with the way they work with players and prepare them. The way he has fit into the dressing room has been unbelievable.
“The players and staff really like him and love working with him. He’s looking to improve and working to get better. Talent-wise, for his age, he is the best I’ve seen when I’ve either been playing or coaching.
“The chances, for me, are so high that he will go back and play for Chelsea and England.”
At 19, Colwill is only going to get better, and he can look towards Guehi for inspiration after the centre-back also left Chelsea following an impressive spell in the Championship, before establishing himself under Vieira and earning an England call-up.
Considering that Guehi is just 22, Palace could feasibly establish a centre-back partnership which could last for more than a decade should they sign Colwill; and given his huge potential, it would surely prove to be a coup for Vieira if the Chelsea teenager makes the move to Selhurst Park.
AND in other news – In talks: Sky Sports drop huge Palace transfer update, he’s a “prime target” for Vieira