Chester FC have completed the signing of James Alabi on a deal until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old arrives as a free agent having been released from Championship club Ipswich Town on Thursday.

London-born Alabi has signed a contract for the remainder of the campaign and will be included in the squad to face Braintree Town tomorrow.

Alabi has been on loan to National League rivals Grimsby Town this season, scoring two goals in five appearances for the Mariners.

James Alabi battles with Middlesbrough's Seb Hines in an under-21s game for Stoke
James Alabi battles with Middlesbrough's Seb Hines in an under-21s game for Stoke

Chester manager Steve Burr was keen on Alabi in the summer after his release from Stoke City but Ipswich landed the big forward.

Alabi made one senior appearance for the Tractor Boys, scoring in a 4-1 win against Doncaster Rovers in the Capital One Cup.

However, he spent most of his time at Portman Road playing for the development side.

Burr spoke to Ipswich about taking Alabi on loan but when Mick McCarthy decided to release the striker, the Blues moved quickly to complete a permanent deal.

Alabi came through Stoke's academy and has spent time on loan at Scunthorpe United, twice, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Accrington Stanley.

On a busy day of activity for the Blues, a loan deal was completed for Nyal Bell to join from Rochdale while Ryan Lloyd had his loan extended from Port Vale until the end of the season.