Aston Villa 'ready to join race for Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku'

CHELSEA outcast Christopher Nkunku has reportedly emerged as a target for Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge in recent months.

2 Aston Villa are considering a move for Christopher Nkunku Credit: Alamy

He is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this season, having been deemed surplus to requirements.

Head coach Enzo Maresca is now keen to offload him and striker Nicolas Jackson before the transfer window closes.

Maresca said on Thursday: "Christo is with us like Nico, but it’s the same answer as Nico. We’ll see if they’re going to be here.

"It’s always better if they find a solution, as they are going to be more happy — and the club the same.

"But you need someone that is going to buy you. It’s not so easy."

Nkunku has been linked with a return to his former club, RB Leipzig , in recent weeks.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Aston Villa have now joined the race.

Villa recently made contact with Chelsea over a potential deal and have been informed of the conditions.

Bayern Munich are also understood to be interested.

Aston Villa were considering a move for Jackson from Chelsea, but SunSport understands that is now unlikely to happen.

Nkunku scored 15 goals in 48 appearances for the Blues last season, while Jackson netted 13 in 37 outings.