Aston Villa just missed out on signing Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen as a 15-year-old, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims in its print edition (Page 61, 12 November) that the Midlands giants scouted the centre-back when he was a teenager and that they could have signed him from Danish club Brondby.
It is understood that the centre-back was so keen to join that he only asked for £600 a week, but the Villa heirachy dithered on the deal and subsequently missed out.
Christensen was picked up by English giants Chelsea as a result and has since gone on to become a first teamer for them.
The 21-year-old enjoyed two successful years out on loan at German club Borussia Monchengladbach and has been rewarded with his patience by now becoming a key player at Stamford Bridge.
He has already made 12 senior appearances across all competitions this campaign and started the most recent game during the 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League.
Denmark international Christensen is now regarded by many as one of the best young centre-backs around and Villa will be kicking themselves over their missed opportunity.
OPINION
Villa fans will be furious that they lost out on Christensen when they had a brilliant chance to bring him to the club. The ball-playing defender is being tipped for greatness at Chelsea and he is expected to become a mainstay in the starting XI after breaking into the team. He is now benefiting under the tutelage of Antonio Conte and showing he is ready for first-team action under the pressures at Stamford Bridge. Villa do have ex-Chelsea captain John Terry in their ranks nowadays and he was in great form before his recent injury setback. The Blues fans are hoping that their 21-year-old can become the next great centre-back at the club and have a long trophy-laden career with them.