CHESTER CITY last night bolstered their squad when they captured the signature of the former Wrexham midfield player Dean Bennett, who signed a two-year deal with the Deva Stadium outfit.

The 28-years-old Wolverhampton-born player spent four seasons at The Racecourse, following spells with West Bromwich Albion and Kidderminster Harriers.

Bennett was a trainee at the Hawthorns when Dennis Smith took over the managerial reins with the Midlanders. Following his five-year stint with Kidderminster, Smith renewed acquaintances with the player when he signed him for the Welsh club.

Following last night's signing, City boss Mark Wright enthused: "Dean has a wealth of experience and can play in two or three different positions which gives us a number of options.

"The team building is really gaining pace this week and there will be more signings in the next 48 hours."

Yesterday was an extremely busy day for the Chester manager. He also had talks with the Exeter City midfield player Glenn Cronin.

He said: "We have virtually agreed everything with Glenn, he has passed a medical and I will talk to his agent tomorrow."

Cronin, 24, who is a former Republic of Ireland under-18 international, has been with Exeter for five seasons after being spotted playing junior football in Dublin.

Wright indicated that there could be two more signings today, saying: "I am meeting two more players and hopefully we can agree deals."

Meanwhile, the race for the signature of the Hull City player Kevin Ellison appears to be between Chester City and Tranmere Rovers.

City have made a six-figure bid for the 27-years-old midfielder, and offered the former Leicester City player a three-year contract.

It is understood Rovers are meeting the player today, but City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "We have offered a long -term contract and an attractive financial package, so the decision is in the player's hands."

Ellison has already turned down approaches from Bristol City and Scunthorpe United.

Chester and Tranmere will learn at lunchtime today who their first round opponents will be in next season's Carling Cup. Both clubs have been placed in the Northern section and both are unseeded.