Aston Villa are reportedly keen on an ambitious move to sign Ross Barkley on a permanent transfer from Chelsea in the summer.
The England international has shone on loan at Villa this season and could be a fine signing for Dean Smith’s side after rediscovering his best form in recent times.
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Barkley struggled to play regularly for Chelsea but is now taking his opportunity to impress and it could lead to a big move at the end of his loan spell.
According to 90min, Villa are planning an ambitious summer to sign Barkley and also tie Jack Grealish down to a new deal.
It remains to be seen how realistic this is, however, as the report adds that it could mean Villa smashing their transfer record by paying as much as £40million to Chelsea for Barkley.
Thomas Tuchel recently replaced Frank Lampard as manager at Stamford Bridge, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be keen to take a look at Barkley before making a decision on his future.
Still, Barkley likely faces plenty of competition at Chelsea and one imagines they could be open to doing business.
£40m is a lot for a club like Villa, however, with 90min noting that their current club-record purchase is £28m Ollie Watkins.
“No Neymar was the one we were looking at, but that didn’t quite happen.” – Newcastle manager Steve Bruce when asked about signing PSG’s Idrissa Gueye. Click here to read more.