CHELSEA defender Levi Colwill could reject a new contract due to the Blues' managerial uncertainty, according to reports.
The 20-year-old centre-back has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool following an impressive campaign on loan at Brighton.
The Seagulls are also monitoring the possibility of securing a permanent move for the England U21 international in the summer.
Chelsea are hoping to tie Colwill down to a long-term deal and do not want to sell the young defender.
He is under contract until 2025 – with the option of an additional 12 months if he plays a certain number of games.
However, The Athletic are reporting that Colwill wants to wait until the Blues announce their new permanent head coach before deciding his future.
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Frank Lampard has taken charge of the club on an interim basis, but is expected to depart in the summer.
Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann have been mooted as potential successors to Graham Potter – who was sacked earlier this month.
And while the club have plans for Colwill, he is still assessing his options before he considers a contract extension.
Chelsea have a host of centre-backs in their squad – including Kalidou Koulibaly, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah.
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Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta can also fill in at centre-half.
And the Blues are set to miss out on European football next season, meaning Colwill's opportunities could be limited at Stamford Bridge.
And if he does not pen a new deal, Chelsea may choose to sell him to raise funds in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Owner Todd Boehly has spent £600million across the last two transfer windows.
Colwill has made 15 appearances for Brighton this season, keeping six clean sheets.
As well as his loan spell with the South Coast side, he also turned heads with his displays on loan at Huddersfield during their 2021/22 Championship campaign.
He made 32 appearances for The Terriers, helping them reach the play-off final before they were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest.
Colwill wore the No26 shirt while at Huddersfield, leading many Chelsea fans to label him the "new John Terry".
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