ASTON VILLA are targeting a surprise move for Chelsea outcast Danny Drinkwater to help save them from relegation.
Drinkwater has spent the first half of the season on loan at Burnley but his time at Turf Moor has been beset by off-field problems and injury.
The England international suffered an injury after becoming involved in a fight on a boozy night out which has limited his impact with the Clarets to just two first team appearances.
Drinkwater, 29, is contracted to Burnley until January 6 but the club are set to send him back to Chelsea instead of extending it until the end of the season.
Blues boss Frank Lampard has already decided that the former Leicester star does not play any part in his plans for the club moving forward.
And now Chelsea officials are looking to move him on from Stamford Bridge again if they can find a club willing to take him on.
According to Sky Sports, one club who could be open to that prospect is relegation threatened Villa.
Boss Dean Smith is desperate to bring in some more quality and experience to his squad as they battle to avoid making an instant return to the Championship.
The loss of John McGinn through injury for three months has also been a major blow and leaves a massive hole in the midfield at a crucial stage of the season.
Drinkwater proved his qualities as a Premier League midfielder in the season which saw him play a major role in helping the club win the title.
But since he quit the Foxes for a move to Chelsea his career has hit the buffers and the last three seasons have been a nightmare on and off the pitch.
Villa believe if Drinkwater is fit and over the problems away from the game that have blighted his last year, he can play a big part for them in their fight to stay in the top flight.
And a loan deal until the end of the season would work for both clubs because Chelsea can offload his wages and Villa will not be saddled with a long-term commitment.
