The Daily Mail reports that Aston Villa are interested in Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford ahead of a potential transfer pursuit this summer.

Bamford is currently on loan at Middlesbrough and has scored 19 goals this season on his way to the Championship Player of the Year award.

Former Nottingham Forest youngster Bamford has been followed by a number of Premier League sides with the likes of Crystal Palace, Everton and Southampton scouting him and Chelsea are willing to let him out on loan once again.

The 21-year old striker might decide to stay with Boro if they can manage to secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs but Villa are expected to make the presence felt as Tim Sherwood looks to refresh his squad in the off-season.