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Aston Villa told to double bid for Glenn Whelan

Villa will have to stump up more than £1million if they want to sign top midfield target Glenn Whelan.

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The 33-year-old has already been the subject of a £500,000 bid which was rejected out of hand by Stoke City.

Villa might now need to double their offer in order to prise the Republic of Ireland international away from the Potters.

Whelan has been a fixture at the Britannia Stadium for close to a decade but is facing increased competition following the arrival of Darren Fletcher from Albion on a free transfer. Stoke chairman Peter Coates recently admitted the club would not stand in his way should he choose to leave.

However, the Potters have made clear they will not be letting Whelan depart for a fee which falls below their valuation, meaning the onus is now on Villa to up their offer.

Boss Steve Bruce is targeting players with Premier League experience as he looks to mould a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge for promotion next season.

Bruce believes too many players last year struggled to cope with the pressure and expectation which comes with playing for Villa in the Championship.

Whelan, who began his career at Manchester City, helped Stoke win promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and has gone to make more than 300 appearances for the club.