Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is lining up a surprise bid for Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand according to source close to Footy Bunker.
Lambert is keen to add fresh blood to the squad he inherited from Alex McLeish earlier this summer and wants to add a left back to the signings of Karim El Ahmadi, Matt Lowton and Brett Holman.
Bertrand has been tipped for a bright future at Stamford Bridge following his impressive performance in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May in which he played at left midfield.
The 22-year-old will find first team opportunities hard to come by next season and will struggle to displace Ashley Cole in Roberto Di Matteo’s first XI but will reportedly be offered an improved contract as reward for his development.
Lambert sees him as the final piece of his jigsaw as he prepares for his debut campaign as manager at Villa Park and is said to be preparing a loan bid for the former England under-21 international.
Romelu Lukaku and Oriol Romeu could also be following Bertrand out of the West London club before the new Premier League season begins and are wanted by Bolton Wanderers.
Trotters boss Owen Coyle is planning for life in the Championship following relegation and wants to recruit one of the Chelsea youngsters to aid the clubs promotion push as it seeks an immediate return to the top flight.
Belgian international Lukaku has dropped down the Blues pecking order since joining from Anderlecht for £18 million last year and is determined to secure first team football to help him acclimatise to the English game.
The 19-year-old was billed as the future replacement for the recently departed Didier Drogba upon his arrival but could now be set for a move to the Reebok Stadium.
He will hope to emulate Daniel Sturridge who scored eight goals in 12 games during his temporary stay during the 2010/11 campaign.
Coyle also wants to strengthen his midfield options and has placed 20-year-old Romeu on his shopping list but knows he can’t afford both players and will have to choose who will benefit his squad the most.