Aston Villa have signed midfielder Ross Barkley – Report

Aston Villa have signed midfielder Ross Barkley from Chelsea on a loan.

The 26 year old England midfielder, who has 33 international caps, has been at Stamford Bridge since moving from Everton and has played only three times for Chelsea this season.

This is the fifth major signing for Villa this summer following the arrivals of winger Bertrand Traore from Lyon, striker Ollie Watkins from Brentford, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal and right-back Matty Cash.

“Capturing a player of Ross’s quality is a real coup for our club and I am certain he will thrive here and improve our team,” said Villa manager Dean Smith.

Barkley left Toffees after appearing 179 times and soring 27 goals.The midfielder has fallen down from squad after the signings of forwards Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and winger Hakim Ziyech and is yet to start in the Premier League this season.