Aston Villa targeting Ruben Loftus-Cheek following Boubacar Kamara injury | OneFootball

Aston Villa are weighing up a move for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (29) as they seek to respond to the prospect of a season-ending injury to Boubacar Kamara, according to reports from Sky Sports.

According to reports, further assessment of Kamara’s knee problem has left Villa preparing for a prolonged absence for the France international, prompting Unai Emery to explore midfield reinforcements during the winter window. Loftus-Cheek has emerged as one of several options under consideration.

The 29-year-old has featured regularly for Milan this season, making 23 appearances across all competitions, but is understood to be open to a return to the Premier League. Loftus-Cheek, who left Chelsea for Serie A in 2023, was also recently offered to Manchester United, though no move materialised.

Villa are assessing alternative solutions should a deal for the England international prove difficult. Former midfielder Douglas Luiz is another name being monitored, with The Telegraph reporting that the Brazilian could be available after struggling for consistent minutes during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest from Juventus.

The potential midfield reshuffle comes amid a wider recruitment drive at Villa Park. Emery is also keen to bolster his attacking options, with Sky Sports News reporting interest in Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

With Kamara such a central figure in Villa’s structure, the coming weeks could prove decisive as the club look to maintain momentum in the second half of the season

GFN | Finn Entwistle