Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has claimed to Sussex Live that he would love to keep Levi Colwill beyond this season.
The Chelsea loanee has been impressing since he forced his way into the overachieving Seagulls side.
He has become an undroppable member of the defence, with his abilities not being slept on by Gareth Southgate.

The England manager has reportedly been considering calling up the youngster for his next set of international fixtures in a couple of months’ time.
The accolade would be well deserved. Colwill has come on leaps and bounds since he got the Premier League loan after a successful spell with Huddersfield last year.
Unfortunately, he may have fallen foul of the bad luck that is an injury.
Colwill is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks, potentially making things a bit more difficult for the Seagulls going forwards.
De Zerbi wants to keep Colwill
De Zerbi has recognised they will be losing a big asset in defence, whilst also claiming he has a desire to keep hold of him in the future.
He said: “I am sorry for him because for us the left centre-back is very important. Lewis Dunk is a top player but he is on the right and we lose some line passes from the left.
“I am very happy with Levi’s progress. I hope he can stay with us in the future because he has the potential to become a great player and he is very important for us.”

Brighton and Chelsea are two clubs who have been tightly knitted together during the transfer windows in recent months.
They are currently in talks over a potential transfer for Moises Caicedo, with the midfielder making it public knowledge that he wants to leave the club.
The Blues and Arsenal are both reportedly interested in a deal, with the Gunners currently being the side who have made the biggest bid so far.
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