Stoke City loan defender James Chester has provided an update on the situation concerning his contract with parent club Aston Villa, which is set to expire at the end of the 2019/20 campaign. 

The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in the Villa first team in previous seasons but fell out of favour following the promotion of the Premier League – making just two appearances in all competitions before he left the club in January.

Chester joined the Potters on loan until the end of the season and had featured in all but one of Stoke's Championship games before the delay began.

Stoke boss Michael O'Neill has previously suggested the club would be open to a permanent move for the central defender in the summer and they will likely be closely following his contract situation closely.

In his column with The Athletic, Chester provided an update on his contract and revealed it was something he may be coming to a decision over in the next few weeks.

He said: "My current contract at Aston Villa expires this summer and it is something I have thought of slightly but as we’re waiting on so many decisions, I haven’t really asked too many questions. I don’t think people at clubs will have any kind of answer for me.

"I’ll put my mind to it when I have all the information in front of me. Maybe in the next few weeks."

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The Verdict

It has been a difficult season for Stoke, who are just three points above the relegation zone, but Chester has played an important role in their turnaround in fortunes in the new year.

You'd imagine the Potters will be keen to secure a permanent deal for him if they can but it may hinge on where Villa are playing next season, as if they're back in the Championship he could be a very useful offer for them.

It appears the defender is yet to make up his mind and will hold off on making any decision until he has all the information in front of him.