Tim Sherwood believes Aston Villa could sign Ross Barkley permanently

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Tim Sherwood has told talkSPORT (broadcast on 19/10; 9:12) that he expects Aston Villa to sign Ross Barkley permanently next summer following the 26-year-old’s superb winning goal on Sunday.

Dean Smith’s men maintained their flawless start to the new campaign in the Premier League at the weekend. But their victory at Leicester City only came about thanks to a stunning strike from Barkley in stoppage time.

Barkley has scored in both of his appearances since arriving on loan in the window. That means he has already doubled his tally for Premier League goals last season at Chelsea.

Of course, that is partially down to the lack of game-time Barkley enjoyed at Stamford Bridge.

And Sherwood suggested that he could see Barkley’s loan move to Villa being converted into a permanent deal based on the start he has made.

“Chelsea want to give you someone like Ross Barkley for nothing, apart from his wages,” he told talkSPORT. “I can’t see him going back to Chelsea now.

“I think he will sign permanently for Villa. Huge football club, seems like he’s enjoying the platform he’s been given.”

If Barkley – who earns £110,000-a-week, according to The Telegraph – can build on this start, he would surely welcome the chance to stay where he is. It does look to be an incredibly tough time for an attacking midfielder to break into Chelsea’s side.

His first two performances meanwhile, hint that his spell with Villa could help him get back to his very best.

And if Smith’s men continue to impress, perhaps Barkley would ultimately jump at the chance should the opportunity to join the Villans permanently present itself in the future.