Ches move a no-go admits Potters boss

STOKE City manager Gary Rowett has admitted defeat in his efforts to sign Aston Villa captain James Chester.

Rowett is keen to strengthen his backline and identified Villa’s 29-year-old centre-back Chester as his top target.

The Potters have seen a number of bids rejected by Villa for Chester and a deal is now seemingly off.

Rowett explained: “James Chester and Matt Ritchie are players we would have loved to add to our group, but there’s a lot of players we’ve looked at.

“He (Chester) is a player we would have liked to have signed, but Aston Villa want to keep their best players and they have been able to change their plans.”

Villa were resigned to losing Chester and star man Jack Grealish – who is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur – prior to the recent takeover by billionaire pair Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

However, the new owners have quickly reassured manager Steve Bruce (pictured) that his best players are no longer for sale. Tottenham could yet make a bid for Grealish but it’s understood Villa won’t entertain offers below £25million for their talisman.

Chester, meanwhile, is happy to remain at Villa Park for a third season and that looks increasingly likely with the transfer window drawing ever closer to its conclusion.

Villa want to take Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on loan for the season.

The 20-year-old has been targeted by Bruce who is desperately trying to bolster his strikeforce ahead of the Championship opener at Hull City on Monday.

Villa currently have four forwards out injured so a number of loan options are under consideration.

Abraham is one of the those, and after initially registering an interest, Villa are now waiting to hear back.