Danny Drinkwater's stay at Chelsea is set to be short-lived, with the Blues midfielder set to head out on loan once again.
The 29-year-old has just returned after an unsuccessful spell with Burnley at the beginning of the campaign, but according to The Telegraph he is heading to Aston Villa for the rest of the season.
Drinkwater has had a poor time in west London since his move from Leicester City in 2017.
Last season, the midfielder spent the whole campaign on the bench or in the stands, playing only in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.
Drinkwater made only one Premier League appearance for the Clarets, but will be trying to kick-start his career in the West Midlands.
However, his move to Villa might have ramifications for a couple of other Chelsea players who could be heading for the exit.
Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi have both been linked with a move to Villa Park this month, with Dean Smith looking to boost his squad.
However, if they are to still make the switch to Villa, then it won't be on loan but on a permanent deal, due to Premier League rules.
The rule states: "The maximum number of loans registrable in the same season is four, and, under no circumstances, shall more than one be from the same club at any one time."
Giroud has a contract that runs out in the summer, meaning that the Blues would want to sell him this month to get a fee for the World Cup winner.
However, if Batshuayi was set to move on in January, it would likely be just on loan, so that option to Villa Park would not be there for the Belgian.
Drinkwater's move will also give the Blues a boost in wages, freeing up some money for any incoming players, despite the report stating that Villa won't pay the full £100,000-per-week fee.
It has been a real frustration of Blue fans that Drinkwater has added very little to the squad, but has continued to take up money from the budget.
Frank Lampard is looking to add to his team with quality this month, and Drinkwater moving on again could make some more space in the budget.
