Aston Villa 'want to sign Chelsea's Ross Barkley on a permanent deal'

Aston Villa are reportedly keen to sign Ross Barkley from Chelsea on a permanent deal this summer.

The 27-year-old joined Dean Smith's side on loan last September and has been in impressive form during the 2020-21 campaign, contributing four goals and one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions.

As it stands, the Englishman is due to return to Stamford Bridge next summer, but according to 90min, Villa want to sign the playmaker on a permanent deal ahead of next season.

The report claims that Chelsea could be prepared to sell Barkley for a fee in the region of £40m, although it remains to be seen whether new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel views the former Everton youngster as part of his plans moving forward.

The 33-time England international moved to Stamford Bridge in 2018 and has made 86 appearances for the London club, scoring 11 times in the process.

The attacker's contract with Chelsea is due to run until the summer of 2023.