Aston Villa are eyeing Chelsea defender Gary Cahill for next season.

The Birmingham Mail says Villa will look to sign Cahill on a free transfer from Chelsea at the end of the season.

Villa were linked with Cahill this summer when it was claimed that Steve Bruce was ambitiously trying to bring the centre-half back to Villa Park on loan, writes Shane Ireland.

Cahill made 31 appearances for Villa between 2004 and 2008 and his goal in the 5-1 thumping of Birmingham City in 2006 is still fondly remembered by supporters.

Any potential move always looked like it belonged in the 'unlikely' pile - with Cahill, Chelsea's club captain, determined to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge under Maurizio Sarri.