Aston Villa and Swansea City are battling for Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran.

The Mirror says Villa boss Alex McLeish has launched a bid to take the highly-rated England Under-21 international and could complete a deal after the weekend.

McEachran, 18, will be allowed out for first-team experience by Andre Villas-Boas and Villa are keen to borrow him for the rest of the season.

McLeish discussed the potential signing with Villas-Boas after Villa's surprise 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on New Year's Eve.

However, former Chelsea coach Brendan Rodgers - who masterminded a 2-0 victory over Villa on Monday - is also in the race to take the teenager.