Southampton have been linked with a summer move for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

What's the news?

In a recent Twitter post, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had this to say on the situation.

"Southampton are also in the race to sign Levi Colwill, as many clubs are showing interest - waiting to negotiate with Chelsea as soon as possible. Colwill's future will depend on Ake/Kimpembe deals, he could leave if Boehly will sign three centre-backs."

The defender has also been linked with other clubs such as Leicester City, Everton, Arsenal and Crystal Palace in recent days.

As a product of Chelsea's youth system, the centre-back has made 46 appearances for the west London club across their youth teams.

The 19-year-old completed his first loan spell away from Stamford Bridge last season by helping Huddersfield Town get to the Championship play-off final, which they eventually lost to Nottingham Forest, who will be facing the likes of Chelsea and Southampton in the Premier League next season.

Unfortunately for Colwill and the Yorkshire club, it was his own goal that secured promotion for Steve Cooper's side.

Hasenhuttl would be delighted

Despite this disappointing ending to his time with the Terriers, the teenager still managed to show how much of a capable defender he is.

Specifically, with 29 league games to his name, the Englishman ended the campaign with more interceptions (44) to his name in the Huddersfield squad, as well as the second-highest number of successful tackles (36).

He also racked up the third-highest number of clearances per game (4.3) and an overall performance rating of 6.97/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated outfield player for Huddersfield last season.

Taking all of this into account, it's safe to say that Southampton could get their hands on a real gem should they beat their Premier League colleagues to Colwill's signature this summer, which would surely leave Ralph Hasenhuttl rather delighted.

Bearing in mind how the Saints struck deals with Chelsea for the likes of Armando Broja and Valentino Livramento last summer, and the fact that the teenage defender was originally born in Southampton, these factors could give the club an advantage when it comes to winning the race to sign the player.

AND in other news: “Been told”: Fabrizio Romano drops big Saints transfer claim that supporters will love