Aston Villa have reportedly “explored” the possibility of signing Chelsea pair Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek before the deadline passes.

Although the Midlands club have recently been quite busy in the current transfer market, Dean Smith remains keen to bring in a new experienced midfielder before the end of the window.

According to Sky Sports, that has led to the Villans taking an interest in Chelsea pair Barkley and Loftus-Cheek.

Neither of two is regarded as the first choice at Stamford Bridge, and manager Frank Lampard is determined to reduce the size of his squad over the coming days.

Despite an interest in the duo, Premier League regulations state that only one loan is allowed between the same two English clubs.

Barkley has a deal at Chelsea until the summer of 2023, while Loftus-Cheek is committed to his boyhood club for another 12 months until 2024.