A host of clubs have joined the race to sign Chester City striker Daryl Clare.
A host of clubs have joined the race to sign Chester City striker Daryl Clare.Both Carlisle United and Boston are known to be targeting the 26-year-old, but Yeovil, Northampton, Peterborough, Darlington and Hartlepool are also thought to be monitoring his situation.
The player's advisor Neil Featherby insists that Clare is focused on Chester despite the immense amount of interest.
"It doesn't surprise us if there is interest in Daryl Clare," he said.
"Goalscorers of his calibre are hard to find, however he still has a year left on his contract.
"As far as he is concerned he is out of the side but he is quite prepared to get his head down and fight for his spot."
Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan confirmed interest in him, but insisted that manager Ian Rush wants him to stay.
"We have received another communication from Carlisle, this time increasing their bid, and I have just had a phone call from Jon Sotnick the Boston United chairman inquiring about Daryl's availability," said Vaughan.
"Ian (Rush) doesn't want Daryl to leave Chester City, and we are formulating a package which we hope will entice the player to sign a new deal with us."
Rush added: "I want to hold onto Daryl Clare and we'll do everything we can to keep him.
"I'm hoping to have a chat with him today and I know our chairman wants to talk to him.
"Daryl's contract expires at the end of the season and we're trying to get him to sign a new contract this week.
"It's important that I sit down with Daryl and talk to him because Carlisle have expressed an interest and they have put in a bid.
"Michael Branch is going to be out for six weeks after damaging his ankle ligaments so it's important that we keep hold of Daryl.
"Daryl is 100 percent fit again after missing the start of the season after his hernia operation, and he played a full game at the weekend.
"He's back to peak fitness and now he needs to discuss his future at Chester with our chairman - it's down to the player."
Meanwhile, Chester's bid for Wrexham's Dennis Lawrence looks to have stalled - but they could still land Hector Sam and Stephen Roberts.
"Wrexham have verbally informed us that Lawrence isn't for sale, but we have had more encouraging news regarding the other two players. We were told to put our bids for Sam and Roberts in writing and they will be considered," said Vaughan.
"A fax has been sent over to Wrexham with what we consider to be a fair offer for the players. Hopefully we will get a positive response to our bids in the next few days.
"Ian Rush considers that both players would improve our squad, and hopefully they will see their futures with us."
In other news, Chester have allowed Andy Watson to join Forest Green Rovers on a month's loan.
