Aston Villa have reportedly identified Chelsea pair Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as potential signings.

Although Villa have recently been busy in the transfer market, Dean Smith remains keen to bring in a new central midfielder before the end of the summer window.

According to the Daily Mail, that has led to the West Midlands outfit taking an interest in England duo Barkley and Loftus-Cheek.

Neither player is regarded as first choice by Blues boss Frank Lampard, who is aware that he must reduce the size of his squad over the coming weeks.

Premier League regulations prevent Villa from signing both players on loan, throwing up the possibility of a bid being made for either of the playmakers.

Barkley has three years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, while Loftus-Cheek is tied to his boyhood club for an extra 12 months.