Aston Villa will reportedly have to fork out £40m if they want to land Chelsea's Ross Barkley on a permanent deal in the summer.
The former Everton man has played a starring role for Dean Smith's European-chasing side since arriving on loan, chalking up three goals and one assist in the Premier League.
Owing to his impressive performances, Villa are understood to be keen to strike a permanent move for Barkley, although the Blues are not willing to let their fringe player leave on the cheap.
According to 90Min, Chelsea are open to letting the 27-year-old depart, but Villa cannot expect to secure his services for anything less than £40m this summer.
Such a figure would surpass the club's current transfer record - £28m for Ollie Watkins - but the report adds that it remains to be seen if new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to bring Barkley back into the fold or not.
Barkley's current deal at Stamford Bridge will expire at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Ben Knapton
