Report: Aston Villa hope Lampard’s Chelsea departure can land them Ross Barkley

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Aston Villa are hoping the recent sacking of Frank Lampard from Chelsea has boosted their hopes of landing Ross Barkley on a permanent deal.

The former England midfielder was replaced by Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge recently. Lampard was said to be a big fan of Barkley and was hoping he’d return to the fold next year.

However, Eurosport now claims there could be little desire at Chelsea to keep Barkley and revive his career now Lampard has gone. And that is said to have given Villa fresh hope they can land the England man on a longer term deal.

Barkley’s contract with the Blues runs until 2023. It is a hefty contract, too, said to be worth in the region of around £96k-a-week.

The former Everton man has shone under the guidance of Dean Smith this term. Alongside Jack Grealish, Barkley has helped propel Villa into the top half of the table after last season’s relegation battle.

TBR View: Barkley the perfect Villa signing this summer, given his form

If Barkley can continue how he is, then every Aston Villa fan will want the Chelsea man signed on a permanent basis.

There’ll be little hope of suddenly going back to Chelsea and impressing Tuchel. Unless, of course, the new Blues boss does fancy taking a look at Barkley himself.

Villa are getting the best out of the England midfielder and he obviously feels comfortable at Villa Park. A summer move, then, should not be ruled out now Lampard has gone.