Brighton and Hove Albion and Stoke City will firm up their interest in Aston Villa defender James Chester with concrete bids, according to The Daily Mail.

Aston Villa are currently facing a major financial crisis and could be forced to sell a number of their top players, including Chester and Jack Grealish, to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and to bail out owner Dr Tony Xia.

The Villans need to raise over £40m in sales and two clubs are prepared to test their resolve over defender Chester.

Recently-relegated Stoke are hoping to prise the Wales international away from Villa Park as they seek a partner for Ryan Shawcross at the back.

Bruno Martins Indi could leave this summer with interest from the continent, meaning that Stoke will look to sign a new centre-half ahead of their Championship campaign.

Meanwhile, Brighton are looking to strengthen their centre-back department too despite signing Nigeria international Leon Balogun earlier in the window.

Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk formed a solid partnership last season but Chris Hughton has also considered Reading defender Liam Moore.

Aston Villa will want to keep Chester but this duo of clubs are planning to start the bidding for the 29-year-old.

The Verdict

Chester is one of the best defenders in the Championship and his exit would leave a major void at the back for Aston Villa.

Without him or John Terry and with little money to spend, it is difficult to see Villa competing up there again unless they can keep him.

But finances may force them into this sale and Chester would improve the options in both squads.

Aston Villa fans - What do you make of this? Let us know below...