After a hard fought season in the Championship, Aston Villa failed to achieve promotion last season but Steve Bruce seems determined to take his side a step further next season. But the financial issues at the club will force the manager to sell a few of his stars this summer and one such name extensively linked with an exit is James Chester.
The Warrington born defender started his youth career with Manchester United but failed to make a single league appearance at Old Trafford, before being sold to Hull City in 2011. After four years at KCOM, Chester joined West Brom in 2015 and was expected to finally make an impact in the top flight.
However, he failed to find any kind of consistency and just a season later, was sold to Aston Villa in the Championship. The 29-year old was the first choice for the club the season before the last, where he made 45 league appearances and was also crucial for Steven Bruce last season, where he managed a total of 31 appearances in all competitions.
He is currently happy at Villa Park but the FFP rules need Aston Villa to raise funds up to £40m before the end of the transfer window, which will force them to sell players at the right price. And reports suggest that Gary Rowett and Stoke City are ready to make an improved bid for Chester after an initial offer has already been knocked back by Villa.
It is understood that the Villains want close to £10m but could be obligated to sell to a lower price. But can Villa actually afford to lose Chester?
The 29-year old has loads of experience in the Championship and has been consistent at the back for the club for two years now. He is perfect for the English game and alongside John Terry, put in some seriously solid performances for his side, that came close to promotion last season.
Villa have already lost Terry and losing Chester will leave them really weak at the back. They need to build on their performances last season and losing players like Chester and Jack Grealish will seriously pull their progress down.
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Chester is a part of the core at Villa Park and even at £10m, will be hard to replace for Bruce this summer. So the manager should try to find a way to hold on to the former Manchester United defender if they are to have a shot at promotion next season as well.
