Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has been impressed with Aston Villa loan star Ross Barkley this season and is said to have called the midfielder to congratulate him on his fine form.
The England star found himself out-of-favour at Stamford Bridge after making his £15million move from Everton.
That slide saw him loaned out to Aston Villa where he has been given a golden chance to show his talents under Dean Smith.
His fine form has seen him land praise from all over the Premier League, especially after his side's 7-2 win over champions Liverpool.
And now his Chelsea boss is understood to recently contacted him to praise him for his strong start at Villa Park, according to Eurosport.
The publication reports that Lampard is 'fascinated' by Barkley resurgence as is looking to keep him involved with Chelsea with a view to a reunion next season.
The door will remain open to Barkley to return but it may ultimately prove that the player has the final say over where his future may lie.
It has been widely reported that Lampard sees a future for Barkley at Stamford Bridge and time will tell as to whether his stint as Aston Villa allows the 26-year-old to rejuvenate both his Chelsea and England career.
