In November, he suggested that Jamie Vardy was the best English striker of his generation, better even than Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane. He also claimed that League One side Barrow and then a doomed Southampton were the “worst” possible opponents for his Chelsea side, who went on to score five in both games.

Given that the West London side has spent a quarter of a billion on its midfield, it is truly bizarre that they are left with such a weak option in this position.

Aston Villa are looking to bolster their defensive options by signing Chelsea’s Axel Disasi in the final days of the transfer window, but a move for Joao Felix appears more complicated at this stage.

Joao Felix is being linked with a move away from Chelsea before the end of the January transfer window with Aston Villa one of numerous clubs holding an interest in the Portuguese

Aston Villa are in talks with Chelsea over a deal for Joao Felix before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports. Chelsea signed Felix in a £46.3 million deal from Atletico Madrid last summer but the Portugal international has struggled to secure a regular role under Enzo Maresca.