Jon McCarthy says as many as three new faces could be arriving at Chester FC in the coming days.

The Blues boss currently has a squad of 18 going into the new season but says that number could swell to as many as 21 by the time the new National League season kicks off at Gateshead on August 6.

The Blues boss has made no secret of his desire to bolster his attacking options, with only James Alabi and Kane Richards currently at his disposal, but there could also be room in the squad for another midfield player.

McCarthy has room in the budget for new additions and has been running the rule over a number of trialists during pre-season and three trialists appeared in the 1-1 draw at Nantwich Town on Tuesday - Wade Joyce, Billy Reeves and James Akintunde.

Former Cambridge United striker Akintunde, who scored a first-half hat-trick in the 5-3 win at Marine on Saturday, has impressed and could get another chance to impress against Burton Albion on Saturday while the Chronicle understands there could be the possibility of striker with a Football League club joining on loan.

“We are really close and there might be a little bit of movement over maybe Thursday and Friday.

“We have got 18 but it could be 19, 20 or 21 depending on some situations. It could be a case of us ending up with 21 depending on a couple of things but we are happy and we are happy with what we have got.

“But we are happy if it has to happen now but, similarly, we are happy if it has to go on into the season to still have some of the budget left to make a decision on it then.”