Aston Villa are in advanced negotiations to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town this summer, according to several sources. Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be keen on having the experienced midfielder in his ranks, and Barkley is also keen on the move.

Barkley has already played for Aston Villa, spending the 2020/21 season there on loan from Chelsea. He returned to Stamford Bridge for the following season, until his contract was terminated in 2022. He joined OGC Nice as a free agent, and last summer he moved back to the Premier League to sign for Luton.

In 2023/24, the 30-year-old scored five goals and produced six assists in 37 matches across all competitions, but his presence couldn’t help Rob Edwards’ team remain in the English top flight as they finished 18th, six points behind Nottingham Forest who are the lowest-ranked team to have survived.

🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town, confirmed.

Negotiations are progressing, as per @guardian_sport — Barkley is keen on the move.

❗️ Understand Unai Emery really likes Barkley and believes he could be a smart signing for #AVFC. pic.twitter.com/E0MK8QmPDy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2024