Aston Villa manager Dean Smith was keen to sign Chelsea legend Gary Cahill this summer as he looked to add Premier League experience and defensive depth to his squad.
Both parties were ready for talks as the Bodymoor Heath academy graduate eyed a return since leaving in 2008.
Villa assistant manager and Cahill’s former Blues teammate John Terry also recommended the 33-year-old, but the Midland outfit signed Bjorn Engels and Ezri Konsa instead, and the Belgian has since proven to be an inspired addition within such a short time.