Aston Villa target Romeo Lavia despite Chelsea's reluctance

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, with a reported budget of €35 million (£29m).

Villa seek replacement after Onana injury

Villa lost Amadou Onana to injury during the summer. The Belgian midfielder underwent knee surgery for his ACL and will be sidelined for nine months. Villa have used midfielders Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Lamare Bogarde in a similar role to the one Onana plays this season.

Fussball News reports the Villans could be active in search of midfielders in January. The report states that Chelsea man Romeo Lavia is high on Villa's list. Villa are said to be seriously considering the Belgian, having kept track of his progress in recent weeks. Manager Unai Emery is particularly impressed with Lavia's qualities.

Aston Villa eye Chelsea midfielder Lavia amid fee debate

Chelsea reluctant as Villa eye Lavia

Discussions about a potential transfer are already said to be ongoing through intermediaries. Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Lavia – the Blues’ most-used midfielder this season. Following the summer sale of Enzo Fernandez without a new midfield addition, the likelihood of Chelsea letting any midfielder go seems slim.

Lavia is said to feel comfortable with the Blues and does not want to force a transfer. Villa's reported €35million (£29m) budget for him seems very low. The prospect of regular appearances could change Lavia's view on the exit. Lavia has been the most-used midfielder by Xabi Alonso at Chelsea this season, meaning a move would not guarantee far more opportunities.

Villa links with Lavia come amid suggestion that Chelsea want to sign their own star midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who has started every Premier League game in the Villans' midfield this campaign so far. There seems to be a slim chance of that deal going through, as the Midlanders do not want to let the Frenchman go. While Villa and Chelsea have done a lot of business of late, either of these transfers appear unlikely.