John Terry likely to be offered a new contract if Aston Villa are promoted and him staying could be crucial in them avoiding Premier League relegation.
Terry signed a one-year deal with the Championship club when he joined from Chelsea last season and will therefore be a free agent at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.
Yet despite turning 38 in December, Villa manager Steve Bruce wants his captain to stay at the club if they return to the top flight of English football two years after being relegated.
Terry is believed to be planning for his future after retiring from playing, which could include taking up a coaching role at his former side the Blues this summer, with the long-term goal of one day becoming boss.
However, Bruce is right to try and convince the defender to stay with the Villans – who are currently second in the second tier – because the veteran could be crucial in them avoiding the drop in the tricky first season after getting promoted.
Terry is one of the most experienced players in Premier League history, having played 492 times in the competition and winning it on five occasions during his time at Stamford Bridge.
That, plus his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, could be enough to keep the Birmingham side up before moving on in 2018 and allowing them to build from a stronger position.
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