Aston Villa are launching a loan raid on Chelsea for midfield pair Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The Daily Mail says Villa are interested in a potential loan deal for Barkley or team-mate Loftus-Cheek as they look to strengthen their midfield.

Villa had asked about Tammy Abraham earlier in the window but he didn't want to leave Stamford Bridge.

They can only sign one on loan due to Premier League rules.

Barkley played 90 minutes of Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley on Wednesday night, scoring his side's third goal.

Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, was left out after Frank Lampard was left disappointed by his performance in their opening-day win over Brighton earlier this month.