James Chester: Wales defender released by Aston Villa
Wales defender James Chester will depart Aston Villa this summer following the expiration of his contract.
He will depart Villa Park after spending four years at the Premier League club following a move from West Bromwich Albion in 2016 after impressing at Euro 2016.
Chester made 126 appearances for the Villa, helping them to play-off success in 2019.
He hasn’t made an appearance for Wales since November 2018.
One possible destination for Chester is Stoke City, the club he is currently on loan at.
The 31-year-old had to sign a temporary extension with Aston Villa so his loan with Stoke City could be extended to the season’s end on July 22.
Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill was keen to see Chester remain in the Midlands but wanted to see more from him before making a decision.
“I certainly haven’t made that decision one way or the other,” said the Northern Ireland manager to Stoke Sentinel.
“I have been very impressed with James, but it was very limited, we didn’t get very much of him, half-a-dozen games at best.
“So, the next nine games are important for James. Not just for his current situation at Stoke, but I just think for his overall situation.
“But I have no concerns about him. I know he will give everything he has in the nine games and what I have seen has greatly impressed me.
“Hopefully, it goes the right way for us all and we are sitting down and talking at the end of the season.”
(Featured Image: Steindy)
