Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has revealed his plans to convince John Terry to stay beyond the summer, even if it means in a coaching capacity. The former England skipper joined the Villains on a one-year deal last summer after ending his two-decade long association with Chelsea.
Terry has since been influential at the heart of the Villa backline, and his form since the turn of the year has helped the club become genuine contenders for promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Reports have emerged earlier this week that Terry could be interested in taking up a backroom role at ex-club Chelsea starting from the 2018/19 season, but Bruce is still hopeful of convincing the centre-back to remain at Villa Park in an identical role. He said: "I hope he stays here. If he wants to do coaching he can come and be part of our coaching team. If that is what he wants, no problem".
Nevertheless, Bruce did concede that a final decision would eventually rest upon Terry, who has just four months remaining on his existing deal with the west Midlands club. The veteran does have a 12-month extension clause attached to his contract, but both parties need to come to a mutual agreement in order to prolong his playing career.
Villa have jumped into second in the Championship standings after maintaining their perfect start to 2018, but they face their toughest challenge yet against Fulham, who have been nothing short of exceptional at Craven Cottage of late.
The Capital outfit have the tendency to show up during the second half of the season, and they are following a similar trend this term with the form of teenager Ryan Sessegnon being a particular delight since manager Slavisa Jokanovic's decision to move him into midfield from his regular left-back spot.