THE vultures are circling the Deva Stadium as they look to swoop on City’s unpaid players.

Blues fans should brace themselves for the now customary January exodus after it was revealed that Jim Harvey’s squad have not received their wages for November.

The cash-strapped club is understood to be willing to let their bigger earners leave in a bid to ease the financial burden, while a queue is forming to jump off what is resembling a sinking ship.

Word is out that Chester’s star men could be up for grabs once the transfer window reopens next month.

There was a who’s who of lower-league managers watching City’s FA Trophy clash with Fleetwood Town last Friday.

Wrexham boss Dean Saunders, accompanied by his number two Brian Carey, was thought to be casting his eye over top-scorer Nick Chadwick and midfield playmaker Anthony Barry.

The Dragons have failed to score in 12 of the 27 matches they have played so far this season and it is an open secret that the under-fire Saunders has made it his priority to inject firepower and creativity into his shot-shy side.

The former Liverpool and Wales striker was joined in the Vaughan Stand by Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark and his assistant Terry McDermott, Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson, and a clutch of scouts from clubs such as Tranmere Rovers, Bury and York City.

While the likes of Chadwick, Barry, goalkeeper John Danby and defender Kevin Roberts are likely to attract the most interest next month, Simpson was understood to be running the rule over youngsters James Owen and Shaun Kelly.

Wales Under 23 international midfielder Owen is improving with every game under Harvey while centre-back Kelly has been an impressive figure since returning to full fitness.

The Football Conference has ordered that Chester’s home match with Eastbourne Borough be replayed on a mutually agreed date in the future.

Last month’s original Blue Square Premier clash between the sides was abandoned after 75 minutes on police advice after a group of Blues supporters ran on to the pitch to protest against the Vaughan family’s ownership of the club.

The FA must now meet to discuss whether to impose any sanctions on City. The Chronicle understands that neither a points deduction or fine are being considered by the game’s governing body.

Chester’s young guns went down to a 6-2 home defeat to Shrewsbury Town in the Youth Alliance North West Conference on Saturday.

Gethin Maxwell and Ben Jones offered City’s replies.