Chelsea in talks with Premier League rival over Joao Felix transfer

Aston Villa are in talks with Chelsea over a deal for Joao Felix before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports.

Chelsea signed Felix in a £46.3 million deal from Atletico Madrid last summer but the Portugal international has struggled to secure a regular role under Enzo Maresca.

So far this season, Felix has started just three Premier League matches and has played a total of 364 minutes in the top flight.

Villa, meanwhile, were keen on signing Felix last summer before losing out to Chelsea.

According to RMC Sport, Villa have retained their interest in signing Felix and are now in direct negotiations with Chelsea over a deal.

Villa manager, Unai Emery, is said to be a keen admirer of Felix, however, the Chelsea forward has attracted interest from other clubs around Europe.

Maresca has stressed that his reluctance to play Felix is because of his belief that the 25-year-old would play in the same position as Cole Palmer in this Chelsea side.

Speaking after leaving Felix out of his squad against Fulham last month, Maresca said: ‘For Joao, I said Joao more or less has the same position as Cole, in some games they already played together but then it’s a matter of balance, this is the reason why.’

On Monday, reports claimed that Chelsea defender, Axel Disasi, has agreed a move to Villa.

Chelsea and Villa are now in talks over a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Alvaro Fernandez makes decision on possible return to Man Utd this month

MORE: Man Utd make move to beat Liverpool and Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund star

MORE: David Coote issues apology to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp after leaked explicit rant