Report: Stoke City close to signing Aston Villa’s James Chester

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Aston Villa defender James Chester is reportedly wanted by Stoke City in the summer transfer window.

Stoke City are on the verge of signing James Chester from Championship rivals Aston Villa, according to The Daily Mail (Transfer Live blog, 14:37pm, Friday, July 20, 2018).

It has been reported that Stoke – who got relegated from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of last season – are close to finalising a deal for Chester this afternoon.

Quality footballer

Chester is one of the best defenders in the Championship and was a key figure for Villa last season, as the Villans reached the playoff final.

The 29-year-old joined Villa from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2016 for a transfer fee reported by The Daily Mail to be worth £9 million.

Stoke will be aiming to challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season, and a player of Chester’s experience and calibre will be a massive asset in their quest.

Villa will miss the 29-year-old Wales international defender, who scored four goals and provided one assists in 49 Championship appearances for Steve Bruce’s side during the 2017-18 campaign.