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Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Ross Barkley full-time are fading with reports that the midfielder is part of Frank Lampard’s long-term plans.
The 26-year old joined the Midlands’ side on loan at the start of the season, and has enjoyed a successful spell with them, striking up an effective partnership with Ross Barkley.
He has made eight appearances and has two goals and an assist for them so far.
Barkley himself is not averse to a permanent move as it guarantees him regular first-team football, as opposed to his time at Stamford Bridge last season, where he was very much and occasional player, in and out of the team. He also believes that staying with Villa will boost his chances of earning a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
However, despite the intense competition for places in West London, Lampard continues to rate him and is reluctant to sanction his departure from the club permanently.
The player is under contract with Chelsea until June 2023.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.