---
title: "Villa target non-league defender ahead of summer move"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/03/26/villa-target-non-league-defender-ahead-summer-move/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2017-03-26T12:16:53Z"
modified: "2017-03-26T12:16:53Z"
---

# Villa target non-league defender ahead of summer move

Aston Villa will fight off competition from Wolves, Burnley, Barnsley in an attempt to sign Chester’s Sam Hughes this summer.

As reported by the [Chester Chronicle](https://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-rising-star-sam-12798548), the 19-year-old is expected to leave this summer when his contract expires, despite being offered a new deal after impressed immensely in the National League this season.

Premier League side Crystal Palace also join Burnley in registering an interested in signing the defender.

Championship side, Barnsley failed with an offer for the central defender earlier in the season and are expected to re-ignite their interest in the player. Paul Heckingbottom’s side have become known for picking up the best non-league talent in the past.

It’s been a record-breaking campaign for Hughes, who became Chester’s youngest ever club captain when he took the armband for their meeting with Tranmere Rovers earlier in the season.

Chester currently sit 13th in the National League and are likely to receive compensation for the player if he moves on.