Aston Villa are looking to offload defender James Chester for good in the summer, according to reports from Football Insider.

The Wales international has found game time hard to come by under Dean Smith, and made only four appearances in the second-half of last season, as the Villans won promotion via the play-offs.

After making only two appearances this season - both coming in cup competitions - the 31-year-old was sent out on loan to Championship side Stoke City for the remainder of the campaign.

Chester has since played four times for Stoke, as he looks to use his experience to help the Potters secure their Championship status under Michael O'Neill.

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If his time at the bet365 Stadium goes according to plan, then Stoke could well pick Chester up on a free transfer if reports from Football Insider are anything to go by.

The report claims that Villa will not look to extend Chester's contract at Villa Park in the summer, with his current deal set to run out at the end of the season.

Stoke sit 20th in the Sky Bet Championship, three points clear of the relegation zone ahead of tonight's trip to Blackburn Rovers.

The Verdict

I think that it would be a real coup for Stoke to land someone of Chester's experience and calibre potentially on a free transfer.

He doesn't seem to be in Smith's plans at Villa Park, and with the Villans looking to establish themselves back in the top-flight, it's unlikely that he will be called upon again.

It remains to be seen whether Chester is a player O'Neill would like to keep beyond this season, but if they do wish to keep him for good, then they have a great chance of doing so.