Chelsea initiate £19m transfer of exciting Aston Villa teenager who has been compared to Arsenal's Kai Havertz

According to The Telegraph, the Stamford Bridge side have started negotiations over the attacking midfielder, who arrived at Villa Park from Derby County’s Academy in March 2022.

Villa had to pay the Rams £600,000 training compensation for the 18-year-old, who made six senior appearances for the club last season - including a 23-minute cameo appearances against Crystal Palace on the final day of the campaign.

Kellyman signed a new long-term deal with Villa back in November after impressing Unai Emery in pre-season last summer. The England under-20 international is able to play in a variety of attacking positions and has been compared to former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, who is now at Arsenal.

It’s believed Villa value the player at £20m.

The Telegraph said enquiries began amid discussions between both the Lions and Chelsea over the transfer of Ian Maatsen to Villa for £37.5m  - a deal that is expected to be completed next week.

Villa also remain keen on Conor Gallagher, while the Blues retain their interest in Jhon Duran, with background checks on the Columbian currently taking place.

If Kellyman makes the move to the capital, he’ll be the second Lions player to do so in two years. In 2022, Carney Chukwuemeka made the same move for £20m.

The news emerges as Everton close in on the £10m signing of Tim Iroegbunam.

Villa need to sell this summer in order to comply with the Profitability and Sustainability rules.