Sources: Liverpool set sights on Chelsea star who Jurgen Klopp tried to sign

Levi Colwill has emerged as a target for Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old has recently returned to full fitness at Stamford Bridge after a frustrating season during which he has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.

Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the England international, having originally tried to sign him under Jurgen Klopp’s management, and could reignite their interest.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool “would love” to sign Colwill and could be tempted to make a move.

Despite having been tipped to sign a new contract at Chelsea, talks have yet to take place, and he could now be part of Liverpool’s ambitious transfer plans.

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Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider earlier this year that Chelsea want Colwill to sign a new contract before the summer.

However, with talks yet to take place, there is a feeling he could be lured away from Stamford Bridge and Liverpool are among those who could make it happen.

While a deal is currently considered unlikely, Arne Slot is aiming to bolster his defence, and Colwill would represent a statement signing for the Reds.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Liverpool would love to capitalise on Levi Colwill’s contract situation at Chelsea.

“I don’t see any chance of it happening, in all honesty.

“Liverpool are long-term admirers of Colwill, going back to the time when Jurgen Klopp was the head coach, he was very interested in bringing him to Anfield.

“But he saw any potential move blocked by Chelsea.

“There’s no panic at Chelsea with regard to his future, he’s just come back from a long-term injury and that’s been the focus really for Colwill at the moment.”

Liverpool have been in pursuit of a new centre-back addition since last summer, and despite agreeing a deal for Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet, are eyeing further signings.

Colwill is the latest of a number of left-sided centre-backs to be linked with a move to Anfield, sparking doubts about the long-term future of Virgil van Dijk.

Football Insider revealed on 10 May that Liverpool want to replace Van Dijk for the future as they are also eyeing a move to sign Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.

It has been an underwhelming season for the Reds’ captain after last season’s title success, and given his age, plans are being made for the future.

Van Dijk, 34, is nearing the end of his career at Anfield and while they are in no immediate rush to move him on, long-term options are now being assessed.

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