By Graham Hill
JOHN Terry could use his links with Frank Lampard to get Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu to Villa Park on loan this season.
Lampard told reporters that Ampadu will be allowed to move to another club after being left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour to Japan.
Villa have been asking about Ampadu all summer and, now that Lampard has the reins at Stamford Bridge, he could be added to Dean Smith’s squad.
The 18-year-old made only five appearances for Chelsea last season under Maurizio Sarri – and now Lampard clearly sees the player as one for the future.
But the midfielder is already a full Wales international. And Lampard admitted he tried to take Ampadu to Derby when he was Rams manager last season.
Villa are believed to be one of a number of clubs interested in signing Ampadu who is a defensive midfielder.
Smith has already sealed a deal for Manchester City midfielder Douglas Luiz but knows he needs a strong squad for the new Premier League season.
Villa coach Terry has obvious connections with Lampard as the pair played together at Chelsea in a successful spell for the club and they remain close friends.
But Chelsea will also have noted that Tammy Abraham made huge progress at Villa Park while on loan last season – and his goals helped Smith side win promotion back to top flight.
Lampard said: “I think I’ve inherited very good players. We can’t bring any players in, we know that, this year, but I don’t need new players. I’m very happy with the squad and determined for us to be successful.”
Villa Roar 