Glenn Whelan may fall agonisingly short of Premier League landmark

Speculation has increased since Daren Fletcher's arrival at Stoke City.

Mark Hughes brought in Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer as his first signing of the summer transfer window. With Fletcher coming in, questions are being asked of what this means for stalwart Glenn Whelan's future at the club. The Republic of Ireland international is regarded as one of the best signings in the history of the club. He quickly nailed down a first team place after signing from Sheffield Wednesday for just £500,000 in January 2008. After helping Stoke seal promotion to the Premier League, he became a regular in the starting XI playing at least 26 games a season for nine straight top flight campaigns. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/871340508278394881 On the verge of his 10th straight season in the Premier League, the 33-year-old is being linked with moves away from the Britannia Stadium. Neil Riordan of the Irish Sun reports that two clubs are interested in acquiring the midfielder, who has one year left on his current deal. He claims that Aston Villa have entered negotiations for what is expected to be a two-year deal to try to help them restore their Premier League status. Burnley are also linked with the Irishman. While they could offer Whelan the opportunity to remain in the English top flight, Riordan reports that they have not yet spoken to Stoke. Burnley would also allow him to join a strong Irish contingent including Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Ward, while at Villa he cold get to play alongside compatriot Conor Hourihane.