Report: Aston Villa join chase for Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford this summer, as Tim Sherwood begins to finalise his transfer targets.

Bamford has impressed in his loan spell at Middlesbrough this season, and his 19 goals helped him win the Championship Player of the Year award earlier this month.

Chelsea are said to be keen to loan him out again next season, and the Daily Mail suggests that Villa have joined a number of other Premier League sides chasing his signature.

Crystal Palace, Everton and Southampton have all previously been linked with the 21-year-old.

Bamford started his career at Nottingham Forest before he joined Chelsea in 2012.