James Chester is on the radar of Brighton and Hove Albion and Stoke City, who are both interested in signing the Aston Villa centre-back.  

According to a report from the Telegraph, Villa will have to raise £50m from player sales over the course of the next two transfer windows, with interest in Chester expected.

Brighton are interested in taking Chester to the Premier League, whilst Stoke offer the Welshman a move across the Championship, albeit to a club that are looking a good bet for promotion next season.

It is reported that Villa could fetch around £10m from any sale involving Chester, who impressed at the heart of defence last season as Villa reached the play-off final.

The 29-year-old was ever-present in the Championship last season for Villa, making a further three appearances in the play-offs.

Villa finished fourth in the regular season, before going on to reach the play-off final, which they lost to Fulham.

Failure to win promotion has left Villa facing the possibility of player sales, with Chester, alongside Jack Grealish and Jonathan Kodjia, likely to be sold this summer.

The Verdict

If Villa have to sell this summer to make money, Chester, alongside Grealish, will be the player most in-demand.

The defender enjoyed a fine season last year, and during his time at Villa Park has proved to be one of the Championship’s best central defenders.

He would be sorely missed if he left Villa Park, but Villa might not have any choice but to move the defender on this summer.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!