ASTON VILLA are preparing to make a shock move for Chelsea star Pedro, according to reports.
The Spanish winger is out of contract at the end of the season and could be available for a cut-priced fee.
And according to The Telegraph, Dean Smith is hopeful of securing a deal when the transfer window reopens in January.
Pedro, 32, has featured in just one match since the end of October and is clearly down on Frank Lampard’s pecking order – his only goal this term came from the penalty spot against Grimsby.
Christian Pulisic has hit form after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer while Willian is still consistently selected.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is back from injury and is also pressing for a starting spot, coming off the bench in six of the last seven Premier League matches.
The added benefit of Chelsea’s transfer ban being lifted, allowing them to buy players in January, is set to be further bad news for Pedro if Lampard decides to recruit in the forward positions.
However, he would add plenty of experience to an Aston Villa squad looking to avoid immediate relegation to the Championship.
He is one of the most decorated footballers to play in England in recent years with five La Ligas and three Champions League triumphs at Barcelona before joining Chelsea in 2015.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, he has added the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League to his impressive trophy cabinet, which also features winners medals from the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Going into today’s Midlands derby with Leicester, Smith’s side are level on points with 18th-placed Southampton but are outside of the drop zone on goal difference.
Before this season, the only Premier League experience was from players who play in more defensive positions, such as midfielder Jack Grealish and full-back Neil Taylor.
New recruit Wesley Moraes started well with four goals by October 5 but has not found the net since then.
