Premier League clubs chase Hull City defender James Chester

Everton
Manchester United players can tend to end up at the Toffees and, with Roberto Martinez looking very light in central defence, Chester could provide competition for or even replace John Stones.

Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk is the latest name liked with Goodison Park, but for a similar valuation he looks a gamble compared with Chester, who has two Premier League campaigns of experience under his belt.

Leicester City
If Nigel Pearson was still in charge of the Foxes, then that might have been something to sway Chester into an East Midlands move. He was signed by the former Tigers gaffer on Humberside in January 2011 and his career has been on the up ever since.

Claudio Ranieri has succeeded Pearson at the King Power Stadium, however, and retains his penchant for pragmatism. Being in and out of a team tipped to struggle in their second Premier League season on the spin should not appeal, though Leicester did play with three at the back under Pearson.

Newcastle United
Magpies club captain Fabricio Coloccini has not played a single minute of their pre-season and Mike Williamson looks well short of top-flight quality. Steve McClaren has nurtured British players throughout his coaching career in England, and could consider pairing imminent arrival Chancel Mbemba with Chester.

Southampton
Ronald Koeman clearly needs to reinforce his defence, and has admitted as much after missing out on Toby Alderweireld and losing Florin Gardos to a serious knee injury. Chester could solve this centre back crisis and has Europa League football as an added incentive to switch to the Saints.

West Bromwich Albion
Tony Pulis is putting his own stamp on the Baggies squad and 30-something defenders Joleon Lescott, Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson could do with some relief. That is where Chester comes in to aid a trio who are all past their best in truth.