Blues manager Enzo Maresca is set to thin out his squad this winter, with Joao Felix and Axel Disasi among those deemed surplus to requirements. Villa reportedly hold an interest in both players, who could be used by Unai Emery to beat Chelsea to European qualification.

Manchester City have leapfrogged Chelsea in the table, moving up to fourth place and dropping the London club down to sixth

Chelsea have shipped Renato Veiga out on loan to Juventus for the rest of the season, while Axel Disasi is closing in on a loan move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa

After Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford in December, Enzo Maresca's side were looking in a commanding position in the race to finish in the Premier League top four.

The latest on the future of Omari Kellyman with the Chelsea midfielder now looking likely to remain at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season despite plans to send him out on loan