Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan is wanted by Sky Bet Championship side Aston Villa

Stoke City have rejected a bid in the region of £500,000 from Aston Villa for midfielder Glenn Whelan, according to Sky sources.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Potters in 2008 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the club.

Whelan, who has one year remaining on his current contract at the bet365 Stadium, featured 31 times under manager Mark Hughes last season as Stoke finished 13th in the Premier League.

However, the 33-year-old's first-team involvement could be limited next season following the arrival of fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion.

Fletcher increases the plethora of midfield options at Hughes' disposal with Joe Allen, Charlie Adam and club record signing Giannelli Imbula already on the books.

Villa manager Steve Bruce, who spent over £20m on six new signings in January, is yet to add to his squad ahead of next season.