According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Aston Villa are in talks with Stoke City over the potential transfer of Glenn Whelan, and have already had a bid rejected from the Premier League club.

It is understood that Villa have had a £500k bid turned down, but a deal is still likely to go through, with the club in discussions with Stoke over the midfielder.

Whelan has played a major role in helping Stoke establish themselves in the Premier League since 2008, featuring regularly for the club under Tony Pulis and then Mark Hughes, as the Potters go from strength-to-strength in the top-flight.

The Irish international has made 336 appearances for Stoke over the last nine seasons, scoring eight goals for the club.

Villa are in the market for a midfielder this summer, as Steve Bruce looks to shape a squad capable of challenging for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship, following a disappointing 2016/17 campaign.

Bruce led Villa to 13^th in the Championship last season, and despite many fancying them for promotion, the club never mounted a serious challenge on the top-six.

Along with Whelan, reports suggest that Bruce is keen to sign Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone this summer, after the goalkeeper enjoyed a successful loan at Villa Park last season.

Villa fans… Would Whelan be a good signing? Could he make the difference next season? Let us know your thoughts!