Aston Villa are reported to be considering a loan move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, as they look to replace the injured Wesley for the remainder of the season.
The Midlands side were dealt a major double blow in their New Year's Day victory at Burnley, with serious injuries at both ends of the pitch. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton and target man Wesley were both forced off with knee injuries in the second half, and having assessed the situations, the club confirmed on Friday that each would miss the remainder of the season.
There was particular fury at the incident which led to Wesley's injury, with some in the Villa ranks evidently feeling it only came about as the result of a cynical challenge from the home side's Ben Mee, who went in hard on the striker with his side trailing by two goals to nil at the time.
News from Villa re Wesley confirms what they expected - told words were exchanged with Ben Mee post-match at Burnley to express club unhappiness at his tackle.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 3, 2020
Long-term injuries are never practical, but as timing goes, it could have been worse from a Villa perspective. With the January transfer window open as of Wednesday, they can draft in immediate replacements, and The Mirror report that this is something Dean Smith of which intends to take full advantage.
With Jonathan Kodjia the only fit striker at the club at present, Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi is being considered for a January loan move.
The Blues have seen their registration embargo lifted, and as such are prepared to listen to offers for some of their fringe players. Batshuayi, who has failed to establish himself as a viable alternative to Tammy Abraham despite scoring seven goals in 19 appearances this season, is thought to be among those.
Having enjoyed a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace in the second half of last season, it seems he could be set for another temporary move away, this time to help 17th-placed Villa climb the table in the months ahead.
Villa, meanwhile, are also thought to be considering a move for Stoke City's Jack Butland, as a potential replacement for Heaton.
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Source : 90min