Derby County set to rival Aston Villa's attempts to sign experienced Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan

  • Aston Villa have had a £500,000 bid for Stoke City's Glenn Whelan rejected
  • Villa have not returned with a second offer due to concerns over spending 
  • Derby County could step in with manager Gary Rowett an admirer of Whelan

Derby County are rivalling Aston Villa for Stoke City's Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan.

Villa have had a £500,000 bid for 33-year-old Whelan rejected, with the Premier League club wanting double that amount.

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Villa owner Tony Xia has not returned with a second offer after becoming concerned about the transfer amounts spent by the club over the past two seasons.

Derby County are rivalling Aston Villa for Stoke City's Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan

Derby County could now step in with manager Gary Rowett an admirer of Whelan's defensive qualities. 

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Whelan has spent nine years at Stoke after joining in January 2008 from Sheffield Wednesday and has been there as the Potters were promoted to the Premier League and became an established side.

He made 30 Premier League appearances last season, and remains a member of the first team squad at the bet365 Stadium.

Villa have had a £500,000 bid for Whelan rejected, with Stoke wanting double that amount