CHESTER City could be on the verge of new ownership, after talks over the past few days between current owner Stephen Vaughan and Merseyside-based property developer Gary Metcalfe.

Vaughan has been actively looking for new investment for the lowly Coca-Cola League Two club for the past few months and following this week’s discussions he is confident that a takeover deal has been brokered.

Metcalfe has been one of the driving forces behind the proposed new office and retail development at the Deva Stadium and, if a takeover is concluded in time, he could be overseeing the club’s affairs prior to tomorrow’s visit to promotion chasing Bury.

Vaughan said last night: “I have known Gary for a considerable time, and hopefully we can complete all the formalities prior to a press conference on Friday.

“Gary has been to a number of games at the Deva Stadium recently, and he is enthusiastic about the future for Chester City Football Club.”

Vaughan bought City from controversial previous owner Terry Smith in 2001, and oversaw the club’s return to the Football League in 2004, when they pipped Hereford United to the Nationwide Conference championship.

Chester City’s official supporters club chairman Barrie Hipkiss mirrored a number of fans’ questions, when he said: “If the deal does go through, there are a number of points that the supporters would like Mr Metcalfe to answer. For example, will he inject enough money into the club to enable the current transfer embargo to be lifted, and as such allow Mark Wright to bring much needed players to the Deva Stadium?

“Also, stability is needed at Chester City, and if Mr Metcalfe does complete a takeover will he strive to bring a modicum of stability to the club?”

Chester will be without midfielder Damien Mozika and defender Shaun Kelly at Bury tomorrow, both are suffering from long-term injuries.