Aston Villa targets Chelsea ace Tammy Abraham

Aston Villa are ready to spend up to £40 million to sign Tammy Abraham from Chelsea.

The 23-year-old striker has been told he is free to leave Stamford Bridge.

He does not feature in Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans.

And that has opened the door for Villa boss Dean Smith, under whom Abraham had a successful loan spell three seasons ago.

Abraham’s goals helped Villa win promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final.

His return would be welcomed with open arms by supporters.

Also by Smith, who wants to get his transfer business wrapped up early this summer to give himself as much time as possible to work with his squad.

As such, Chelsea are expecting a bid imminently.

Abraham on the move

Crystal Palace and West Ham have both been credited with an interest in the player.

Although Hammers boss David Moyes made it clear early on that Chelsea’s valuation of Abraham would likely prove prohibitive.

The fee is not a problem for Villa’s wealthy owners who have money to spend with or without the potential £100m Manchester City want to give them for Jack Grealish.

And, with Abraham open to a move back to the West Midlands, they are ready to pounce.

Abraham, who has been capped six times by England, would become Villa’s record signing.

He could break the current £34.5m record they paid Norwich this summer for Emi Buendia.

Villa have signalled their ambitions already this summer by making an audacious bid for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.