Aston Villa's hopes of signing striker Tammy Abraham look to be all but over after The Sun revealed what the 21-year-old has told Villa manager Dean Smith.

Abraham has enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Villa Park, ending the season as the club's top scorer with 26 goals in 40 appearances as the Midlands side ended a three year wait for a return to the Premier League.

Villa would have been hoping to retain the services of the striker for their return to the top flight next season, but that now seems unlikely to happen.

The 21-year-old has reportedly told Smith and Aston Villa coach John Terry that while he is grateful for his improvement as a player since arriving at Villa Park, he feels that this next season is the best opportunity he has to make himself a first team regular at Stamford Bridge, and would never forgive himself if he did not pursue that opportunity.

Abraham, who is under contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2022, has made just three appearances for his parent club, spending the last three season on loan at Bristol City, Swansea and Villa respectively.

The Verdict 

You can understand Abraham's thought process here.

With all of Chelsea's strikers having struggled this season and the club facing an impending transfer ban, this may be his time to step up and impress at Stamford Bridge.

Villa will not to want to lose his services for next season, but it seems as though this may be out of their hands.

Thoughts? Let us know!