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The player was a key part of the Leicester City Championship squad — then moved to Chelsea on a big money move — and has since failed to impress. He managed less than an hour of playing time with Burnley while he was on loan for the first half of this season. But — it appears — he will swap claret for claret and blue.
Danny Drinkwater is at Bodymoor Heath having a medical ahead of joining Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season from Chelsea.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 7, 2020
The hope from the Villa perspective is Drinkwater will slot into the McGinn role and rediscover his form. Sky Sports reports the deal will move ahead with Chelsea continuing to pay a “significant portion” of the wages. Initially Chelsea wanted Villa to take on the whole of the reportedly £110k/week wages. It seems as if the two clubs came to an agreement that is a little kinder to the Villa’s balance sheet.
Many Villa supporters will be worried about the midfielder’s fitness — but the club is confident that he can jump right in despite the lack of playing time. And it is worth remembering back a year ago — the Mings loan deal came with the same concerns.
In the past Villa’s leadership has said that future loans will come with buyout clause options. No details have been publicized about such a deal as of right now.
Drinkwater having medical, then! A player who has a point to prove to himself, let alone #AVFC. DD needs to find title-winning form, a midfielder with bite, fight & ability to pick a pass. Expect it could be loan-2-buy should deal work out. Move kills Giroud loan, 1 per club.
— Ashley Preece (@PreeceObserver) January 7, 2020
Drinkwater is cup tied so he will play no role in the semifinal legs against his former club.