Dean Smith is making signing a centre-back a priority ahead of the winter transfer window and Birmingham Live believe Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu is on Aston Villa’s radar. The highly-rated Welshman looks to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge so a permanent deal is off the table, but the Villans stand a very good chance of beating out all competition for his signature.
Ampadu trained alongside John Terry and Karen Carney over the summer and could be open to renewing acquaintances with the Chelsea legend at Villa Park. Given Terry made over 700 appearances with the Blues, winning five Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League trophy and one Europa League crown, Ampadu could learn a lot from him.
The 18-year-old made 13 appearances for Exeter City before joining Chelsea and has made seven in the Blues’ first-team since, so he’s lacking senior experience who could factor in any decision to leave on loan. Ampadu would stand a good chance of getting regular playing time too, as the Villans have no other natural centre-back should James Chester or Axel Tuanzebe pick up an injury.
The opportunity to work alongside Terry and a good chance of regularly featuring in the Championship may see Villa in pole position to procure his signature.
