James Chester is prepared to snub Stoke City’s interest and stay at Villa Park, according to the Press Association journalist Nick Mashiter.
The news backs up a report by Daily Mail columnist Simon Jones who believes that the club won’t sell the Welsh international at any price after turning down a £10m bid from Stoke.
Fans on Twitter are now hoping that the 29-year-old will stay at the club:
He will be captain anyway this season and with him staying shows a massive statement to the other players and the league that we are prepared to fight this season!!! ????⚽️
— Daniel Irvine (@danirvine7) 26 July 2018
I will be over the moon if he stays brilliant top man is James Chester.
— Darren Woolley (@DarrenWoolley5) 26 July 2018
You don't willingly leave a super club. That's why.
— Andrew Service (@AndoServise) 26 July 2018
Great news if true. Need a new CB to play along side him.
— Fran O'Connor (@FranOConnor38) 26 July 2018
Pls let this be true
— RW (@r_villan22) 26 July 2018
Cracking news, fingers are crossed ????????????
— John Lovell (@efjonnylovsy72) 26 July 2018
Fantastic news
— David o mahony (@Davidomahony18) 26 July 2018
There's a man of substance.
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan50) 26 July 2018
He always was and is sensible chap .
— MR PETER A RAFFETY (@MRPETERARAFFET2) 26 July 2018
Verdict:
It looks like Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are looking to make a real statement here by keeping Chester. The Mail believe that they will look to offer our no.5 a new contract as well.
The centre-back currently has two years left on his current deal, and with the player keen to stay, and the club reportedly keen to keep him, it is looking increasingly likely that he’ll remain at the club to captain the side next season.
Things are certainly looking a lot more positive than they did even 10 days ago.