Aston Villa want to sign Chelsea midfielder permanently?

Aston Villa are interested in landing the signature of Ross Barkley on a permanent deal from Chelsea in the summer.

The England international joined the Villans on loan from the Blues last summer and he has proved a quality signing with three goals and one assist from 14 league games.

According to 90min, the west Midlands outfit are looking to secure the long-term future of captain Jack Grealish and they are prepared to hand him a new bumper contract.

Elsewhere, they are also keen on retaining the services of Barkley on a long-term contract, but he may not come on the cheap with the Blues set to demand around £40m.

Barkley was deemed surplus to requirements under former Blues boss Frank Lampard and it is unclear whether he will return to the fray under Thomas Tuchel, who took charge earlier this month.

Villa have had a sensational 2020/21 campaign and they have already matched their points tally from last season. They are currently five points behind the top four with one game in hand.