Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has reportedly been in contact with Ross Barkley over the midfielder’s future at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at Aston Villa after the Blues strengthened their squad in the summer transfer window.

Dean Smith’s side sit sixth in the Premier League, with Barkley playing a key role in impressive wins over Leicester, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The former Everton midfieler’s impressive form at Villa Park has seen renewed calls for him to be called up to the England squad, as well as Chelsea to give him regular minutes next season.

And according to Eurosport, Blues boss Lampard has contacted the player to make it clear how impressed he has been with his performances so far.

The report claims the door remains open for Barkley at Stamford Bridge if the remainder of his loan spell continues in the same fashion.

Despite having N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic as midfield options, former Arsenal star Paul Merson claims Lampard was wrong to send Barkley out on loan.