FORMER Mansfield Town players Alex Neil and Scott McNiven could be Chester City's first close season signings of the summer, when manager Keith Curle returns from his summer holiday next week.

Both players who were signed by Curle when he was in charge of the Nottinghamshire club, were released earlier this week by the Stags new manager Carlton Palmer.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "We are aware of the availability of Alex and Scott, and when Keith and myself sit down to discuss next season's squad, I am sure their names will be mentioned.

"Next season is going to be an exciting one for Chester City and we will be assembling a squad who can make a push for the play-offs."

McNiven, who is an attacking wingback and will be 27 next week, started his career with Oldham Athletic before moving on to Oxford United

Midfielder Neil began his career in Scotland with Dunfermline Athletic and Airdrie before moving down south, where he spent four seasons with Barnsley.

Meanwhile, Chester have confirmed their pre-season friendlies which are: Tuesday, July 12: Stoke City (home); Saturday, July 16: Burton Albion (away); Saturday, July 23: Droylesden (away); Tuesday, July 26: TNS Llansantffraid (away); Saturday, July 30: Blackpool (home).