Ex-Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Chelsea will slap a high asking price on midfielder Ross Barkley if the Villans want to sign the player on a permanent basis.

The 26-year-old has had a good start to his loan spell at Villa Park, scoring three goals and contributing one assist in eight appearances, and Agbonlahor thinks the Blues will either demand a high transfer fee or look to keep him if his good form continues:

“I’m sure there will be a big fee because Chelsea will value him and let’s not forget he’s a similar age to Jack Grealish and if he can keep producing his current form Chelsea will definitely want a high fee. Chelsea might even want to bring him back in their team. I think we’ve just got to enjoy him while he’s here and try and get the best out of him.”

It was a surprise when Villa announced that they had signed Barkley on loan. There were a number of other Premier League sides after the England international, including West Ham, but his regular game time for Dean Smith’s side has done him a world of good.

Whether he would get many opportunities if he does return to Stamford Bridge next season, it does seem unlikely. Manager Frank Lampard already has two attacking midfielders in Mason Mount and Kai Havertz at his disposal.