A DEAL to sign LA Lakers forward Ron Artest to the Cheshire Jets is not dead – but the club faces a battle to finalise his signing.

Artest issued a public apology via Twitter on Thursday after postponing a visit to Chester.

He published via @ronartest: “UK sorry I couldn’t make it this week can’t wait to meet the JETS!!!!”

Later it was reported the deal had been scrapped, Artest’s agent unhappy with the $33 million star’s insurance package to play during the NBA player dispute known as the ‘lockout’.

But while the chances of Artest signing slimmed last week, club director Pete Hawkins says they are still in talks with his agent and lawyers to try to come to a deal.

“The next few days we need to work really hard,” he said.

“Insurance was always an issue from the outset but we are still trying hard to ensure Ron has the protection he needs to play.”