A LIVERPOOL-BASED sports marketing company is interested in buying Stephen Vaughan’s shares in Chester City.

The Blues yesterday confirmed they have been in talks with a group called Sport-6, whose CEO is former Bath, Bristol and Gloucester rugby union player Alastair Saverimutto.

A statement on Chester’s official website read: “Chester has recently entered into negotiations with Sport-6 regarding the sale of Stephen Vaughan’s shares.

“The negotiations, which were subject to a confidentiality agreement, have been leaked on a fans’ message board.”

Vaughan resigned as chairman and director on Saturday but remains the owner and majority shareholder.

Former Chester director Paul Baker, of club sponsors UK Sameday, is also interested in buying Vaughan’s shares and is believed to have met the former City chairman yesterday.

Blues fans, meanwhile, have expressed their disappointment at Vaughan’s surprise exit.

Barrie Hipkiss, chairman of the official supporters’ club, said: “It came as a shock to be honest and it will be interesting to see who becomes the next chairman. What Stephen Vaughan’s official reason is, I don’t know.

“It will be interesting to see what his reason is for stepping down.”

Mr Hipkiss admitted it was a “worrying time” for all Blues fans, adding: “Christmas is supposed to be a joyful occasion, but this news doesn’t make it very pleasant for Chester City supporters.”

The Chester City Supporters’ Trust is also concerned for the future.

A Trust spokesman said: “We are bitterly disappointed to hear that Mr Vaughan has stepped down and we hope that this doesn’t mean that the club will move backwards in its current position on or off the park.

“We sincerely hope that the movers and shakers within the Chester City community make the right decisions with the best interests of the club foremost in their mind in the weeks that lie ahead.”