This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill is closing in on the signature of Aston Villa defender James Chester, according to journalist Graeme Bailey on Twitter, with the experienced defender struggling for game-time at Villa Park.

It looking increasingly likely the 30-year-old will depart Villa Park before the end of the transfer window, having played just twice this season for Dean Smith’s side, and with his contract with Villa expiring in the summer.

So would Chester be a good signing for the Potters, is he needed and would he start?

We discuss.........

Chris Gallagher

"I'm not sure this is needed at all.

"Danny Batth and Liam Lindsay have been very good in recent weeks and with Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi and even Nathan Collins as options, O'Neill is well-stocked in defence.

"So, whilst Chester is a good player and could do a job for most teams in this league, he's not someone that they desperately need. Plus, he is sure to be on big wages and at 31-years-old his best days will be behind him.

"The boss should be looking to build a younger, more dynamic squad and he has Shawcross to call on as the experienced figure at the back. Even if Chester could have a role to play, they would be better spending money on weaker areas of the squad."

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Josh Cole

“This could turn out to be a solid addition for Stoke if they can convince Chester to make the move to the Bet365 Stadium in the coming days.

“Having parted ways with Cameron Carter-Vickers earlier this month following the United States international’s underwhelming loan spell at the club, the Potters have yet to draft in a defensive replacement.

“When you consider that Ryan Shawcross has missed the majority of the 2019/20 campaign due to injury, there is no guarantee that he will be able to stay fit for the rest of the season and thus a move for Chester makes sense.

“Having played over 200 games at Championship level during his career, the defender knows exactly what it takes to succeed at this level and will therefore have confidence in his ability to steer Stoke to a mid-table finish in May.”

George Harbey

"I think that Chester could be a fantastic signing for Stoke if they manage to lure him to the bet365 Stadium,

"He is an experienced defender who knows exactly what it takes to be successful at Championship level, and whilst Stoke are nowhere near the promotion spots, he would bring real leadership and character to the dressing room.

"It must be said that Stoke have really improved in defence since Michael O'Neill arrived at the club, and the likes of Liam Lindsay and Danny Batth have both stepped up and have stopped making silly little errors.

"But you can never have enough leaders and experienced players in your squad, and Chester will be itching to leave Villa Park after being deemed surplus to requirements under Dean Smith, and join a big club in Stoke.

"He'd come into the team ahead of Lindsay, for me."