But HITC Sport understands that Aston Villa have agreed terms with West Brom
West Brom manager Tony Pulis as James Chester prepares to take a throw in
James Chester’s options have increased should he – as expected – leave West Bromwich Albion in the coming days, HITC Sport understands.
Swansea City, Burnley and his former club Hull City are all understood to have made contact with West Brom over a deal for the defender.
Swansea have just lost Ashley Williams to Everton and consider his Wales colleague Chester as an option, whilst Burnley still fear they will lose Michael Keane and are covering their options.
Leicester City’s Marc Albrighton in action with West Brom’s James Chester
And also Hull – who are yet to make any real moves in the transfer market this summer – have told West Brom they will be bidding.
However, HITC Sport understands that Aston Villa are very much at the front of the queue and on Thursday had a bid accepted by West Brom – who have told his other suitors they will have to act quickly.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard in action with West Brom’s James Chester
Middlesbrough have been expected to match the bid from Villa, but as it stands Villa are leading the chase.
HITC Sport were told by a source: “He is set for talks with Villa and a medical, and whilst the number of clubs who want him has increased – Villa re pushing hard to get this done.”
Villa are hoping to finalise a deal for Chester before the weekend, whilst it is also understood that they are in talks with Leicester over defender Richie De Laet and with Crystal Palace for midfielder Mile Jedinak.

Leicester’s Ritchie De Laet in action with Tottenham’s Harry Kane
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