Stoke City are reportedly preparing a move for Aston Villa’s James Chester.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are holding out for £10 million for Stoke City target James Chester with West Bromwich Albion still awaiting a payment.
It has been reported that Stoke City have seen a £5 million bid knocked back for the experienced defender, and they are planning on coming back with a new offer, with Aston Villa originally seeking around £20 million (the Mirror).
But now it seems the cash-strapped club have lowered their demands, with West Brom said still owed money on his original £8 million switch to Villa park which occurred back in the summer of 2016 (cited in the Daily Mail report).
Aston Villa’s failure to reach the Premier League has seen them face financial hurdles this summer, and a host of top players have been linked with a move away – Jack Grealish (The Sun) to Tottenham Hotpsur and Albert Adomah (Birmingham Mail) to Newcastle United, while there may be no money for potential new signings.
The gamble to spend big seeking Championship promotion has seemingly backfired on Steve Bruce’s side, and Stoke City are said to be keen to take advantage of the situation by bringing in Chester in a cut-price deal.
Following their recent relegation to the Championship, Stoke are seeking an immediate return to the top-flight and have parachute payments to help them make a fist of it at the first attempt.
Chester, a 29-year-old Wales international, featured in every game for Aston Villa last term and was widely considered one of the best defenders in the Championship averaging 7.7 clearances (Whoscored) per game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
