BLUES chairman Stephen Vaughan is likely to land a substantial stake in Widnes Vikings RLFC.

Vikings chairman Tony Chambers gave the strongest hint so far Vaughan would be allowed to buy into the club after a series of meetings with himself and long-standing director Jim Quinn.

The City supremo met Chambers last Saturday, prior to Chester's 2-2 draw at Rochdale, to thrash out a possible deal.

Following an unscheduled Vikings board meeting on Monday, it is believed Vaughan has been given the green light to buy into the Vikings, who were relegated from the Super League last season.

Chambers said: 'I met Stephen (Vaughan) at the weekend to discuss things and how he may be able to help the club.

'At the moment, it is early days but we are talking about how a possible investment in capital will move the club forward as there are 185,000 shares that have not been issued.

'We did have a board meeting on Monday to talk about the possibility of Stephen joining the board.

'Discussions are on-going and we will look to make an official announcement at the annual meeting on Monday, December 5 at Halton Stadium, as these people who should know first.'

Vaughan said: 'I have met Tony to discuss things and it's all moving on very well. It was a very positive meeting and it looks as though the club will be making an announcement soon.

'The club has great potential and has an excellent stadium with a good rapport with the council and also excellent fans.

'Hopefully, the club will bounce back into the Super League at the first attempt.'

If an announcement is made that Vaughan has purchased most of the remaining 185,000 shares it would make him the second-largest shareholder behind Chambers, who has 210,000.

Vaughan last week told The Chronicle his interest in the Vikings would have no negative impact on Chester City.