CHESTER City's leading scorer Mark Beesley could be on the verge of a move to third division Southend United as the Nationwide Conference Club slowly begins to reduce their financial outgoings.
Beesley, who joined City 15 months ago from Preston North End, has notched six goals so far this season and has also been watched by representatives of Wrexham and Halifax Town.
If a deal can be completed, it is expected that the youngster would command a fee in the region of £50,000.
A spokesman for Southend said last night: "We have been monitoring the position at Chester, and are aware of Beesley's record. It is no secret that we have been on the lookout for a proven goalscorer and the player appears to meet that criteria."
The 20 year-old Burscough-based player was one of seven players who were transfer listed last week in what was described by manager Gordon Hill as a "cost-cutting exercise."
Chester, whose average home attendances this campaign have sunk to around 700 after averaging nearly 2,000 last season, could also lose non-League international goalkeeper Wayne Brown, who has been watched recently by representatives from Southampton and Coventry City.
