Aston Villa will have to see off competition from Premier League giants Manchester United if they are to land Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in January, report the Daily Express. 

Chelsea are willing to let the veteran defender leave during the upcoming transfer window and Villa are reportedly amongst the sides in the race to sign him, but Jose Mourinho has now expressed his interest.

Cahill's former defensive partner, John Terry, is now an assistant coach to Dean Smith at Villa and could be the key to persuading the 32-year-old to make the move to Birmingham.

Smith's side currently sit 11th in the Championship table on 24 points with 17 games played.

Thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win against Derby County on Saturday they are now just four points behind the Rams, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

After the international break, Villa host arch-rivals Birmingham City in the first Second City derby of the season.

The Verdict 

Villa should be the place that Cahill opts to go to.

John Terry showed last year how good a step down the ladder can be for your career, as he completely reestablished himself in the West Midlands.

Cahill would be a main man at Villa Park rather than scrapping for minutes under Mourinho.

Thoughts? Let us know! 

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