Chelsea are hoping to ward off potential suitors by offering Levi Colwill a new contract in the New Year, according to reports.

TEAMTalk claim that the Blues are “ready to open discussions” with the 23-year-old, despite the player still having two and a half years remaining on his current deal.

Liverpool have retained a longstanding interest in Colwill, but there has never been any desire to sell the defender.

Manager Xabi Alonso also rates him very highly. Speaking back in August, he described him as “one of the best centre backs in the world”.

With that being the case, it is expected that contract negotiations with Colwill and his entourage will begin at the beginning of 2027.

Colwill is not the only defender who could receive an extension

It is believed that Josh Acheampong is also being lined up for a new deal, having impressed Alonso since the Spaniard’s appointment.

The manager has also been very complimentary about the 20-year-old, stating that he has made a lot of progress in a short period of time:

“For me, when he plays with confidence and aggressiveness, he has a lot of attributes for a modern defender because he can play in different positions, he’s good with the ball, and he understands his role. I’ve seen a progression in these few weeks we have been together.”

Chelsea are trying to tie down their best players

Both Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer have put pen to paper in recent weeks, and it looks like Colwill and Acheampong will follow suit over the coming months.

There are also reports that the London club want Estevao to commit his future, although the Brazilian may only be happy to do so if he sees an increase in his playing time.

Alonso did hand the winger his first Premier League start of the season against Manchester United last weekend, so that will only help in an agreement being reached.