Aston Villa

Villa look to rekindle Ampadu interest

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Aston Villa are set to rekindle their interest in Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu, according to a report in the Mirror (10.43am).

The Villains approached Maurizio Sarri’s side over a potential deal during the summer but were rebuffed when the Italian decided he wanted the 18-year-old to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Welsh international has struggled for minutes, however, appearing just twice in the Europa League.

Any deal for Ampadu would take the form of a loan, with the Midlands club hoping that their ties to Chelsea could give them an advantage in the transfer window.

Villa already have Tammy Abraham on their books and boast Blues’ legend John Terry as a first team coach.

It is thought that any deal could be complicated by competition from Frank Lampard’s Derby County, who themselves have a good working relationship with Sarri’s side.

Good move for Villa?

Ethan Ampadu has a vast potential and could really flourish given a proper run in a senior side. A confident central-defender capable of playing in front of a back four as well, the young man could provide a much needed injection of vitality into an ageing Villa defence. The failure to properly replace the retiring John Terry at the end of last season has been well-documented, and has forced the club into deploying Mile Jedinak in the heart of defence on occasion. As good as the Australian is, he is not a defender, and Ampadu would provide much needed depth in a position that is vital for any club looking to mount a promotion challenge.

This is Futbol rating: 9/10

Likely to happen?

It’s an absolute no-brainer for Chelsea to send Ampadu out on loan. The 18-year-old is ready to make the step up to senior football, and there are few leagues in world football that could teach him the tricks of his trade as well as the Championship could. You would hope that the Blues see sense and give him a run elsewhere, as they have with Tammy Abraham to great effect. The main stumbling block, however, could prove to be reported interest from Frank Lampard’s Derby County. The Chelsea legend already has Mason Mount on loan at Pride Park, and could hold the advantage in a tussle for Ampadu.

This is Futbol rating: 6/10

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