THE Football League's newest outfit, Rushden and Diamonds, are the latest club to enquire about Chester City's promising young defender, Lee Woodyatt.

Rushden made an inquiry about the Welsh youth international last night.

Woodyatt, who has been in exceptional form recently, has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs, including Oxford United, in the past few days, and is thought to be valued by City at around £100,000.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said of the Rushden approach: "Yes, we've been contacted about the youngster, but as I've said before, we are trying to create something at this club not dismantle

"If the player wanted to move, we wouldn't stand in his way, but at the same time, I hope he would like to be a part of what Mark Wright is creating at Chester City.

"Ideally, we would like to sign the lad ourselves on a three-year contract, but if the boy sees his future elsewhere, then we would have to consider our stance."

Vaughan also confirmed that Chester were trying to sign the Oxford United central defenders Phil Bolland and Scott Guyett. Bolland, currently on loan at the Deva Stadium, and Guyett were both previously with Southport before joining Oxford in the summer.

"We've identified the pair as players we would like to build the side around next season.

"They are both outstanding defenders, and Mark Wright sees them as the cornerstone of his team rebuilding," said the City chairman.

Chester are expected to continue their dialogue with Oxford manager Ian Atkins in the next day or so to try and reach an agreement regarding Bolland and Guyett...SUPL: