Frank Lampard impressed with €25m-rated attacker performances

The English boss has sent Ross Barkley a ‘well done’ message following his bright start on loan at Aston Villa, raising hopes that he has a future at London club. Ross moved to Villa Park at the end of the transfer window on a season-long loan after Frank refused to give the attacker guarantees over game time in Chelsea.

The London giants spent over £225m last summer, leaving Barkley to fear for his future at the Stamford Bridge and asking to go out on a season-long loan. England international has been in good form at Aston Villa, scoring twice in five matches for Dean Smith’s side.

Despite agreeing to send the 26-year-old attacker on loan, Frank believes the footballer could still have a long-term future at the London club and the Blues manager sent the player a recent message to congratulate him on his form at Villa Park.

There is therefore a sense that the English attacker could force his way back in at the club next campaign, should he continue to impress in Birmingham. Frank Lampard felt Ross would benefit from regular first-team football at Villa, rather than another stop-start season at London club.

The decision to let him leave was not a reflection of Frank Lampard’s faith in Barkley, with the Chelsea manager said to be ‘fascinated’ by elements of the attacker’s play. Blues face Newcastle at St James’ Park after the international break, with Frank hoping Ben Chilwell will be fit after suffering from a back spasm while on duty with England.