Aston Villa are facing a battle to keep Wales international James Chester after Stoke made an opening bid of £5 million.

Stoke’s offer for the centre-half has been rejected but they are expected to return after emerging as the first club to try and take advantage of Villa’s financial problems.

Though Jack Grealish is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, Chester is the first player in Steve Bruce’s squad to attract a serious bid this summer and Stoke are hopeful of agreeing a deal this month.

Villa are understood to want around £10m for the defender, who was signed from West Bromwich Albion two years ago, and Chester is happy at the club despite their uncertain future under owner Dr Tony Xia.

However, Bruce has admitted that player sales are necessary to meet Financial Fair Play requirements and Stoke have made their move.