West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Levi Colwill to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, with the club insider revealing on a recent episode of The West Ham Way podcast that David Moyes is keeping a very close eye on the progress made by the 18-year-old Chelsea centre-back - who is currently on loan at Championship side Huddersfield Town - ahead of a potential swoop this summer.

Speaking about West Ham's interest in the England U19 international, Ex said: "Levi Colwill - he's a centre-back, a left-sided centre-back, so that's obviously a specific position that we really want. He's on loan from Chelsea, so whether Chelsea would be prepared to sell him, I don't know."

The next Ogbonna

With Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, in addition to the fact that the centre-back will turn 34 years of age this May, it would appear a very smart move for Moyes to begin his search for the Italy international's replacement as soon as possible.

And, considering the fact that he is left-footed, can operate on the left of a centre-back pairing or as an out and out left-back and has been excelling while on loan at Huddersfield, Colwill would very much appear to be a perfect long-term candidate to replace Ogbonna in the West Ham backline.

Indeed, over his 20 Championship appearances for the Terriers so far this season, the £2.25m-rated defender has been in imperious form, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, two tackles, 4.5 clearances and winning 6.5 duels - at a success rate of 64% - per game.

The centre-back has also impressed for his side going forwards, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 41.2 passes - 0.3 of which have been key - per fixture.

These returns have seen the 18-year-old Jonathan Hogg dubbed a "big talent" who will "play at the top" average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Town's second-best player in the league.

As such, it is perhaps not surprising that Carlos Corberan believes that the £5k-per-week has a huge future ahead of him, with the Spanish manager stating of Colwill: "He's a very young player with a lot of things he is doing fantastically, and other things he needs to continue improving.

"My selection is never dependent on the player, it's on the team. If he's in my team it's because I think he has the skills to help the team in that position. I think he's going to be one of the most important centre-backs for this country in the future. I am seeing a player with a lot of potential and a lot of personality."

So, with West Ham in rather desperate need of reinforcements in the heart of their defence ahead of next season, and Colwill very much looking to be one of the most exciting prospects in the country in the position, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Moyes to do all he can to get a deal over the line for the teenager this summer - as Colwill looks to possess not only the potential to replace Ogbonna in East London, but he could also very well become the Hammers' best player in the role entirely.

In other news: Moyes can axe £67k-p/w WHU flop by unleashing 18 y/o "monster" who's "got everything"