Aston Villa defender James Chester has been linked with moves away.
James Chester has been linked with moves away from Aston Villa, with Stoke City and Brighton and Hove Albion reported to be interested in the former West Bromwich Albion defender, but the 29-year-old central defender has suggested that he wants to stay at Villa Park, as quoted by The Express & Star.
According to The Daily Mail, Championship side Stoke and Premier League club Brighton are interested in signing Chester from Villa in the summer transfer window.
The Villans are facing FFP issues, and the Championship club – who reached the playoff final last season – may have to sell some of their best players this summer.
Chester is one of the best central defenders in the Championship, and there is no surprise that Stoke and Brighton reportedly want the Wales international.
The former Manchester United prospect, though, has suggested that he wants to carry on playing for Steve Bruce’s side.
The former West Brom defender has also send a message to the Villa fans.
Chester told The Express & Star: “I’ve always wanted to spend time at a club and hopefully that will continue.
“Regardless of what’s happening at the moment, as professionals you owe it to yourselves, your teammates and the supporters to do your best.
“My message to the fans is to try and stay positive. They’re the most loyal people involved with the club and they will be there through thick and thin. In my time at the club they’ve been a credit to themselves.”
Positive for Aston Villa
Chester’s comments suggest that he is happy to stay at Villa, and perhaps the club should try their utmost to keep hold onto him.
The 29-year-old – who joined Villa from West Brom in the summer of 2016 for a transfer fee reported by The Daily Mail to be worth £9 million – is an asset at Villa, and fans should be pleased with his attitude.
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