Chelsea Could Lose England International

According to the Standard, Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand has refused to rule out a permanent move to Villa Park after signing for Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the Barclays Premier League campaign.

Bertrand has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge with Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic dominating the starting full-back berths in Jose Mourinho’s first elevens. Paul Lambert has been instrumental in evolving many young players’ careers in his time at Norwich City, and is now doing the same over at Villa, who are in a push to avoid a potential relegation battle.

The England international has represented Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, and will bring a wealth of experience to Villa’s younger players. With the Blues so close to the top spot in the league, Mourinho has stuck to his senior players, leaving no room for Bertrand to shine.

Bertrand would not be the first player to leave Stamford Bridge and make a loan spell permanent, as we have seen with others like Jeffrey Bruma who eventually left the club after finding no place in the Blues lineup.