Three players Aston Villa could sign to replace James Chester this summer
According to the Mirror, Aston Villa have rejected a £5million offer from Stoke City for defender James Chester, with the Midlands club valuing him at around £10million. Gary Rowett’s offer is just the opening shot to lure the Manchester United academy graduate away from the cash-stricken Villa Park side.
The Potters are in the market to replace Kurt Zouma, who has returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan spell. Furthermore, Marc Muniesa has joined Girona permanently.
Chester enjoyed an impressive season playing alongside John Terry, as he made 49 Championship appearances for the Villans last season. His consistency at the back was key as Villa reached the promotion playoffs. However, the cash-strapped club could lose Chester, and other members of the first-team, as the club hierarchy attempts to deal with Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions.
The Wales international, who has made 203 Championship appearances for Steve Bruce’s side, could be headed for Villa Park’s exit doors this summer.
If that happens, who could Villa replace him with? Here are 3 options.
1. Robert Huth
What’s better for a cash-strapped club than landing an experienced player, who is a Premier League winner, for free? The veteran German centre-back is available as a free agent after being released by Leicester City. Huth is currently training with Stoke City, who were relegated to the Championship.
The 33-year-old would be a valuable addition to Steve Bruce’s side, given his experience and natural defending skills. Huth didn’t feature prominently for the Foxes last season due to a few injury issues but he would fit Villa’s profile perfectly.
2. Ryan Shawcross
Another veteran defender, Ryan Shawcross has already proved himself in the Premier League and in the Championship. The 30-year-old Manchester United academy graduate has 317 top-flight appearances and 41 second-tier appearances with a combined 21 goals. Striking a deal for him would be a win-win for both clubs in the picture. Also, Shawcross’ resolute defending skills may be the missing jigsaw needed to propel Villa back to the Premier League.
3. Dan Burn
The 26-year-old has Championship star has played 118 games in the English second-tier, along with 79 League One appearances. Burn’s contract at the DW Stadium is up next summer and Wigan must cash in on the player.
Unlike the above players, Burn has more years left in him and would not necessarily represent a short-term investment. Since joining Wigan in 2016, Burn has been a consistent performer for the club. He was a mainstay for the club last season as they earned a promotion back to the Championship.
Read More: Go for it Rowett – Why signing this tenacious 29-year-old could lead Stoke City to promotion
Furthermore, Burns was one of the standout performers as Wigan knocked Premier League Champions Manchester City out of the FA Cup.
