CHESTER CITY striker Michael Branch could be moving away from the Deva Stadium this week after City received enquiries for his services from Gillingham and Rochdale.

The former Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers player was placed on the transfer list at the end of last season, but after returning to training three weeks ago he was taken off the list after patching up his differences with the club.

Branch hasn't figured in Chester's opening three league games of this new campaign and it is possible that he may be allowed to leave the club in a loan arrangement.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: "It's correct, we have had enquiries from both Gillingham and Rochdale about taking Michael on loan.

"So I'm leaving it up to the manager and the player to decide."

Branch joined City during the summer of 2004 from Bradford City.

He has scored 16 goals in 60 League appearances for the Deva club.

Chester have a doubt surrounding the fitness of midfielder Dean Bennett, as they prepare for Sunday's derby match against neighbours Wrexham at the Deva Stadium.

Bennett sustained a back injury during Saturday's game at Hereford United and he didn't train yesterday. City also have a concern over the fitness of striker Drewe Broughton.

City manager Mark Wright said: "Dean is still sore and won't be able to train until later in the week, so we are monitoring his fitness.

"Drewe Broughton picked up a nasty head wound at the weekend.

"He is training but he can't head a ball at the moment and won't be able to until later this week."

Meanwhile, former Chester striker Dave Cameron has joined League of Wales club Rhyl.

North Wales-based Cameron, who played for City in their Nationwide Conference days, has been playing for Droylsden since his departure from Chester.