Aston Villa striker, Tammy Abraham may end up making the switch from the English Championship club this week after all, just in time to line out for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Manchester City.
Sports247.ng reports that, despite worries over infringement of FIFA rules, Abraham could get to play English Premier League football as early as next Monday, should his move from parent club, Chelsea pull through.
The deal to Wolves could then come in time for the Nigerian-born England international to be included in the squad to face Man City.
Should a deal go through early this week, Abraham would be eligible to make his debut for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at the Etihad Stadium.
The move would be a big blow to Villa, where Abraham has been on loan from Chelsea so far this season, scoring 16 goals in 21 appearances.
He has three goals in his last two appearances for Dean Smith’s side and scored four in Villa’s 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest in November.
Chelsea have a recall clause in that loan deal, which allows them to alter the arrangement with Villa this month.
Although Wolves were initially keen on a permanent deal, Chelsea are adamant that they won’t sell the striker in this transfer window.
The 21-year-old has 16 goals for Villa in the Championship since joining in the summer, but Maurizio Sarri wants him to gain more experience in the top division, so it suits Chelsea to switch his loan deal to Wolves.
It is understood Abraham is keen for the move to happen, though he has enjoyed his time at Villa, who will search for another striker to replace him during this window, in another loan deal.
