Levi Colwill reveals Liverpool icon helped him make Chelsea transfer decision after secret chat

Levi Colwill has admitted that Adam Lallana persuaded him to stay at Chelsea despite interest from Liverpool. The 20-year-old defender was heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer following an impressive season-long loan at Brighton last season.

football.london understands that Colwill had been subject to several bids from the Seagulls, who wanted to keep him at the Amex Stadium on a permanent basis. During talks which were initially scheduled for Moises Caicedo, Brighton tried to include the Cobham graduate in a potential swap deal.

It's believed that Liverpool also enquired about Colwill on two separate occasions. But, the Blues viewed the England Under-21 international as untouchable and eventually tied him down to a six-year contract, fending off interest from Roberto De Zerbi and Jurgen Klopp.

While it's understood that Mauricio Pochettino played a significant role in Colwill's decision to extend his stay in west London, Adam Lallana seems to have had just as much of an impact. Following the 51-year-old's appointment at Stamford Bridge, the Brighton ace – and Liverpool icon – gave a glowing review of his former Southampton manager.

«I have had conversations with Adam,» revealed Colwill, as quoted by the Mirror. «And he told me about how much of a good guy he (Pochettino) was and he thinks he is a really good manager and I took that on board when I was making my decision.

»When I finally met him (Pochettino), I realised everything Adam said was true. He (Pochettino) is a great manager, really makes me feel comfortable and allows me to play my best game.

«I think with him at the club, it has changed so much and now we want to kick on. I think the big thing for me is, on the first day I came in,