Brighton and Stoke are set to test the nerve of Aston Villa and will prepare to bid for James Chester this week, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that the midlands side, are expected to receive offers of around £8million for the centre back, the same amount as when he joined Villa from West Brom, and that such a bid will test the club, who are desperately strapped for cash.
Villa will not want to lose the services of the Wales international, who became a mainstay at the back under Steve Bruce.
However, it is thought that Chester himself is ready to move on from Villa Park, and it is hard to see him staying given Villa’s financial difficulties, and the attraction of Premier League offers.
Good move for Villa?
Short-term no, long-term yes.
Although James Chester was a consistent player for the Villans last season, the money raised from potential offers would go a long way to ensuring Villa face no further sanctions.
Any deal would drastically reduce the wage bill, and allow the Midlands outfit to comply with financial fair play.
One cause for concern would be that Bruce’s side would’ve lost both of their starting centre-halves, having already seen John Terry leave the club.
This Is Futbol rating – 7/10.
Likely to happen?
Yes.
Aston Villa are expected to lose a number of big-name players, as the club needs to find a reported £40million to adhere to financial fair play.
Chester was one of the clubs best players last season, and it is no surprise that the Wales international is attracting so much interest, as other clubs try to take advantage of Villa’s situation.
If a Premiership club files an offer, it is hard to see Chester wanting to turn that down, as well as the club being unlikely to turn down a reasonable bid.
This Is Futbol rating – 7/10.