Aston Villa are reportedly moving for West Brom defender James Chester.
Wales’ James Chester in action with Belgium’s Eden Hazard
According to The Mirror, Aston Villa have made their first move for James Chester by contacting West Brom about a deal for the defender.
Villa lost centre back Ciaran Clark to Newcastle United last week, and whilst they have brought in Tommy Elphick from Bournemouth, Villa may yet want to bring in another centre back this summer.
Wales’ James Chester in action with Northern Ireland’s Stuart Dallas
Questions over the future of Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott mean that a centre back could be in Roberto Di Matteo’s thoughts, and reports suggest that he’s lining up a move on a local rival.
The Mirror report that Villa are hoping to sign defender James Chester from West Bromwich Albion this summer, and have made their first move for the player by contacting the Baggies about a deal.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis as James Chester prepares to take a throw in
Chester, 27, joined West Brom from Hull City last summer following the Tigers’ relegation to the Championship, and whilst he looked set to be a key part of Tony Pulis’ defence, it turned into a frustrating campaign for Chester.
With just nine Premier League starts and only 13 league appearances in total, Chester became something of a misfit at The Hawthorns as he had to merely serve as cover for the likes of Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Craig Dawson and Jonas Olsson.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard in action with West Brom’s James Chester
Now, having impressed with Wales at Euro 2016, Chester is in demand, and Villa boss Di Matteo will be hoping for a favour from his former club as he turns to the ex-Manchester United to strengthen his defence.
It’s stated that, having snubbed approaches from Swansea in January, Bagiges boss Pulis may now let Chester leave if he can find a replacement this summer, as Brighton’s Lewis Dunk is a target – and that could free up Chester to make the short switch to Villa Park.
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