Aston Villa interested in Chelsea attacker

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a loan deal for Ross Barkley ahead of the transfer deadline next week.

The England international has been in-and-out of the starting lineup for the Blues and he has managed just 40 minutes of league action from the opening three games of the season.

According to The Telegraph, the Villains are keen on adding more creativity to their ranks this summer and they have their sights on signing Barkley on a season-long loan.

Aside from Barkley, they have also been credited with a temporary move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, according to Premier League regulations, they are permitted to sign only one player on loan from a single club.

The west Midlands outfit only scrapped through in the relegation battle last term and they are keen to avoid a similar situation. Bertrand Traore and Ollie Watkins have already been signed to bolster their attack.

Barkley was an unused substitute for the Blues in their 3-3 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon. The club went three goals behind in the opening half before producing a terrific comeback.