Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said Chelsea are set to offer teenager Levi Colwill a new four-year deal before loaning him to a Championship club in the summer transfer window.
Colwill joined the Blues at U9 level and has gradually risen through the ranks.
The centre-back played 23 times for the development squad last season but has yet to make a first-team appearance.
Frank Lampard did, however, promote Colwill to senior training while he was still Chelsea boss, along with numerous other academy players.
The teenager signed his maiden professional contract last year on his 17th birthday and is seemingly about to be offered another extension.
Which second-tier club Colwill could be loaned to isn’t clear.
Promotion pushers such as Swansea City, Barnsley or Bournemouth may be looking for a refresh.
Or one of the three Premier League relegated outfits might want a reshuffle.
It would be a huge step for the centre-back, who has yet to taste competitive action quite like the hustle and bustle of the Championship.
Last season, Colwill faced sides from League 1 in the EFL Trophy, which should at least give him a flavour of what’s in store.
Chelsea will hope to lock down fresh terms with several other Stamford Bridge stars before too long.
N’Golo Kante appears next in line, while contract issues surrounding Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen still need to be resolved.
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