CHESTER CITY last night reached a financial settlement with their young striker Cortez Belle, and the player is now expected to join Conference South club Newport County on a permanent basis.
Belle was informed last week by City manager Keith Curle, that he didn't figure in the club's future plans, now he can further his career in South Wales.
The 21-year-old was signed by Mark Wright last summer, he scored two goals for City in 25 senior appearances, before joining the Welshmen on loan earlier this year.
City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "We wish Cortez all the best for the future, he is a wholehearted and committed player, and I am sure he will get another opportunity in the future.
"We are talking to other players who didn't figure in Keith's future plans, and hope-fully I will be able to announce further amicable departures in the next few days."
Curle is currently on holiday, but Vaughan expects some news on new player signings next week.
"Keith has identified a number of players he wishes to bring in, and hopefully we can start talking to them in the next seven to 10 days.
"I have been impressed by the quality of player who has been identified and the prospects for the forthcoming season are looking extremely positive."
Chester have arranged a second pre-season friendly at the Deva Stadium. A match against Blackpool was arranged last week, that game will be played on Saturday July 30. Last night, Coca Cola Champion-ship club Stoke City agreed to travel to Chester, and that match will be played on a midweek date in July.
City are still trying to arrange a game against a Premier League club also.
The players will commence training for the new season on June 30, and will then spend a week in Cornwall, and it is also anticipated they will arrange a couple of friendlies in the West Country.
Meanwhile, Luton Town defenders David Bayliss and Iain Hillier who spent a period on loan with City are in contract talks with Oxford United.
