Aston Villa will battle with Championship rivals Derby for the signing of Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu.
That’s according to the Derby Telegraph, who believe a loan move is on the cards in January.
The 18-year-old Wales international is thought of highly at Stamford Bridge, but a temporary switch elsewhere will aid his development.
There are more experienced options at Maurizio Sarri’s disposal, making any sort of game time this season unlikely.
Both Villa and Derby feel like good options for Ampadu, with the two clubs battling for promotion to the Premier League.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea connections could give the Rams the edge, although Dean Smith has turned Villa into an enticing option in their own right.
Ampadu has made nine first-team appearances for Chelsea, making his debut against Nottingham Forest in September 2017.
Having represented England’s U16s, he switched his allegiance to Wales, who he has now earned six caps for.
It will be interesting to see who prevails out of Villa and Derby, should either manage to acquire Ampadu’s signature.
