Chelsea are planning a sensational £15 million bid for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

The People says Blues boss Avram Grant will be cleared to make an offer in the January transfer window after the Stamford Bridge scouting staff pushed Barry's claims.

Owner Roman Abramovich is willing to back Grant, basking in Saturday's 6-0 thrashing of Manchester City.

Barry signed a new contract with Villa recently, but Chelsea's money will talk. The Villa star has formed an impressive understanding with Steven Gerrard in the heart of England's midfield.