Sources: Chelsea deal with Aston Villa in 'jeopardy' after unforeseen twist

Chelsea are "disappointed" with Alejandro Garnacho's lack of football during his loan spell with Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

Both sides had hoped that the deal was "almost certain" to become permanent due to the conditional purchase clause, but it is understood to now be in "jeopardy."

The 22-year-old winger has played just 22 minutes of Premier League football so far this term, with his parent club losing patience with the situation.

Sources say that there is a major "financial risk" involved in the deal for Chelsea, who are hoping not to have to find another way to offload the wideman next summer.

Garnacho notched 12 goal involvements for them in all competitions last term, but was quickly offloaded ahead of this season.

The Argentine has no long-term future at Stamford Bridge, but that hasn't stopped the Blues from paying close attention to his progress.

Unai Emery effect not working on Alejandro Garnacho

Chelsea's deal to offload Garnacho to Villa included an appearance-based purchase obligation set at around the £43million mark.

Both parties expected that to be easily achievable when the agreement was reached, but it now looks likely to be anything but.

Garnacho is firmly out of favour at Villa Park, and is yet to start a competitive game for his loan club in any competition.

Unai Emery had been tipped as the man to finally get the best out of the youngster, but he has quickly set him aside to the fringes of the squad.

That is causing headaches back at Chelsea, as there is now an increasing possibility that Garnacho will return to them at the end of the campaign.

They would then be left with an asset that they no longer want, who would also have hardly kicked a ball throughout the campaign.

Chelsea to lure Frenkie de Jong with 'hefty' offer

Football Insider revealed last wek that Chelsea would need to table a "hefty" contract offer to tempt midfielder Frenkie de Jong away from Barcelona in January.

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old of late, but Barcelona are reluctant to lose him in the middle of the season.

The La Liga giants are set to demand a fee in excess of the £50m mark for the Dutch international, who also occupies a significant wage at Camp Nou.

Chelsea would potentially have to match that and more in order to lure him away, with the veteran understood to be happy in Spain at the moment.