Stoke City 'launch £5m James Chester bid'

Stoke City have reportedly made a £5m offer for Aston Villa central defender James Chester.

Villa are under pressure to cut their wage bill this summer due to their financial problems, and Chester is one of a number of players to be linked with a move away from Villa Park.

The 29-year-old still has two years left to run on his contract at Villa, but is reportedly keen to leave this summer and has attracted a host of interest.

According to The Telegraph, Stoke have made an opening offer of £5m for the former Manchester United defender, but Villa are said to want £10m.

Chester has scored seven times in 91 league appearances for Villa since a 2016 move from West Bromwich Albion.

Midfielder Jack Grealish is also expected to be among those to leave Steve Bruce's side this summer.