special- Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has made it clear to Ross Barkley that there is still a potential future for him at Stamford Bridge in light of his exceptional form so far on loan at Aston Villa.
Barkley was a bit part player for Chelsea last season and was set to start in 2020/21 until joining Villa on loan for the remainder of the campaign at the end of September.
Barkley has been told he won’t be a Chelsea regular this season / Michael Regan / Getty Images
It appears to be the first step towards a permanent Stamford Bridge exit, but 90 minutes have seen Barkley’s performance so good that he has forced Lampard back into the thinking.
The 26-year-old former Everton star made an immediate impact for Villa in their 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool within days of his arrival. He then scored a late winner against Leicester and played a key role in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Arsenal in the club’s last game.
Barkley has struck up an excellent rapport with Villa team-mates Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins and has been completely rejuvenated since joining Dean Smith’s side.
Lampard has previously informed the player that he will not be a regular if he stays at Chelsea this season and has given him the option to leave on loan to increase game time. Barkley jumped at the chance and it is now paying dividends, which has not gone unnoticed by his Chelsea boss.
Barkley has had a huge impact on Aston Villa / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
90 Minutes understands that Villa already know that Barkley could be out of their price range if they try to strike a permanent deal. Despite Lampard impressing with his attitude and form since moving to the West Midlands club, Chelsea’s future has been heavily debated.
Lampard is delighted with how Barkley has responded and has made sure the midfielder is aware that he will be brought back to Stamford Bridge if he keeps it up.
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