It has been widely reported that recently relegated Stoke City have a had a bid worth £5m rejected for Aston Villa defender James Chester. He has been a standout player during his time at Villa Park, and the fans are desperate to keep hold of him this summer.
The 29 year old joined the club in 2016 from West Midland rivals West Bromwich Albion.
In two years at the club , he has made 85 appearances in the claret and blue shirt, scoring seven goals.
The centre back has established himself as a clear fan favourite at the club, but is now subject to heavy interest from the Potters.
After reaching the Playoff Final last season, Villa lost out to Fulham and the defeat has caused financial disarray at the club.
It is understood that Villa will need to sell a number of players in order to balance the books, and Steve Bruce could sacrifice the popular defender.
Stoke were relegated from the top flight last season and have appointed former Derby boss Gary Rowett as the man to take them straight back up.
Rowett has identified Championship proven players as his main targets and has now turned his attention to the Welshman.
Despite being born in Warrington, Chester qualifies to play for Wales and has made 31 appearances for the Nation.
He was heavily involved during their fantastic Euro 2016 campaign, forming a formidable partnership alongside Ashley Williams.
The Villa fans will be desperate to keep hold of him this summer as they look to try and replicate last seasons success.
Here are some of the thoughts of the Villa faithful:
£5m for Chester is an insult. He's one of the best centre backs in the Championship, is at his peak aged 29 and is a key first team player with several years on his contract. He's worth AT LEAST £9m #AVFC
— Eddie 🦁 (@AlwaystheVillan) July 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jacko__10/status/1018107641418006530
James Chester has been the best centre half in the championship the last two seasons and stoke offer £5M get out of here man. Block there emails Villa.
— Josh (@JoshAVFC_96) July 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/lochan_AVFC/status/1018103407041810433
Be more gutted if Chester goes then Grealish #Unpopularopinion #AVFC
— Callum McDermott (@CallumMcd5) July 14, 2018
£5m for Chester isn’t a joke when the future of the football club is at stake. If he’s not going to sell up, Xia has four weeks to raise enough money through player sales to keep us afloat through to January. Wouldn’t be surprised if accepted their next offer #avfc
— IanSB (@IanSBa) July 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/The_Droyd/status/1018101697544118274
It’s all happening. #AVFC are facing off with Stoke City over James Chester, who could leave the club for a pittance.
Thanks, Xia! Thanks, Wyness! https://t.co/ZzMpjolrs6
— 7500 to Holte (@7500toHolte) July 14, 2018
