Express & Star

Patrick Bamford on Roberto Di Matteo's striker list at Aston Villa

Published
Last updated

Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford is a target for Villa as new boss Roberto Di Matteo searches for a goalscorer to fire them out of the Championship.

more

The 22-year-old has an impressive pedigree in the second tier, having scored heavily during loan spells with Derby and Middlesbrough and is thought to be among a number of forwards on Di Matteo's list as he looks to revamp the claret and blues squad.

Bamford is under contract for another two seasons at Stamford Bridge and is likely to cost around £10million, with Newcastle and Norwich also thought to be keen on his signature.

Tony Xia, Villa's prospective new owner, is expected to give Di Matteo up to £50million to spend. The new manager's first signings have come in the shape of new backroom staff, with Villa yesterday confirming the appointments of Steve Clarke and Kevin Bond as assistant manager and first-team coach respectively.

Massimiliano Marchesi has been appointed first-team fitness coach, while another Italian, Massimo Battara is the club's new goalkeeping coach following the exit of Tony Parks.

Xia's proposed £75million buy-out is still awaiting the green light though a holding company, Recon Sports, has now been set-up in the UK. Xia is listed as a director alongside Chris Samuelson and Keith Wyness, both of whom are expected to take boardroom roles at Villa.