Aston Villa eye Chelsea defender Ampadu on loan

Aston Villa’s preparations for life back in the Premier League continue, with reports suggesting they are keen to take Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu on loan.

The Villains ended their three-year exile from the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the Championship playoff final last month, with Dean Smith now preparing for his first season in the top flight.

They have already completed the club record signing of Wesley Moraes from Club Brugge earlier this week, and have also been linked with a £20 million move for Stoke City ‘keeper Jack Butland.

Now, the Guardian are reporting that Smith will try to sign Chelsea‘s Ethan Ampadu on a season-long loan, with the youngster being restricted to just five appearances under Maurizio Sarri last season, all in the cup competitions.

The Wales international is comfortable in both defence and midfield, where he is both combative, yet comfortable on the ball, traits which would see him comfortably fit into Aston Villa‘s style of play.

A move to Villa Park could prove to be an attractive proposition for the 18-year-old, where he would be offered increased first-team opportunities as well as the chance to work with Blues legend John Terry.

Villa are also keen to re-sign Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe after he impressed in their promotion campaign in the Midlands last season, although they may have to wait until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer plans are finalised.

See also – Five players we’d love see move to the Premier League this summer