Stalemate on James Chester deal as Hull City face 'tough negotiation'

HULL City's attempts to secure the long-term future of star defender James Chester have stalled, with the two parties struggling to find common ground in contract talks.

With Chester soon to enter the final 12 months of his existing deal, City have moved to end the uncertainty over his future with the offer of a bumper new contract in the last fortnight.

However, the terms on offer appear to have fallen significantly short of the 24-year-old's expectations and leaves the Tigers with work to do before pen is put to paper.

National reports have suggested both Aston Villa and Newcastle United will monitor Chester's situation over the summer, but managing director Nick Thompson remains hopeful of a resolution ahead of the club's Premier League return.

"We're talking with James' agent and the offer we've put forward is one we feel is good and appropriate," Thompson told the Mail.

"It's a tough negotiation because we have some gap between where the two parties are. There's a disparity between where we think the right figure is and the expectations of the player's agent.

"I'd certainly like to think it's something we can resolve. James was virtually an ever-present for us last season and a very important part of our team."

City have been attempting to resolve Chester's future since first tabling a contract extension to 2016 back in December.

That initial offer was knocked back by the former Manchester United graduate, but Chester has always maintained his willingness to plant roots in East Yorkshire.

As recently as three weeks ago Chester suggested a new deal would be "sorted sooner rather than later."

City would be vulnerable to potential raids inside the last year of his deal if a contract is not finalised this summer, and Thompson added: "If you get into the final year and you can't agree on anything then you're going to make other clubs aware of the situation.

"We'd very much like him to be with us next season and we want to come to an agreement where everyone is happy."

Thompson envisages fewer complications with out-of-contract trio Liam Rosenior, Paul McShane and Mark Oxley.

The three players were all offered new deals after the Tigers won promotion at the start of this month, surviving the cull that saw 12 players released.

With Abdoulaye Faye already committed to another year, a deal triggered by 30 appearances in Steve Bruce's side, it is hoped Rosenior, McShane and Oxley will all follow suit "in the next couple of weeks."

"We've made contract offers that we believe are good and fair, and demonstrate our belief in the players," added Thompson.

"I'm sure their agents will be looking at those deals and weighing up their options but we'd like to get those deals wrapped up before the end of June."

McShane joins Robbie Brady, David Meyler and Stephen Quinn on the Republic of Ireland bench to face England at Wembley tonight.