Cross-border rivals Wrexham have announced the signing of John Rooney from Chester FC.
Reports broke on Monday evening that the out-of-contract midfielder had agreed terms with the Dragons and the move has now been confirmed.
Chester boss Jon McCarthy held talks with Rooney last month regarding a new deal and had hoped he would sign on his return to the UK last week.
However, Wrexham manager Gary Mills made Rooney one of his top targets to replace Connor Jennings, who completed a switch to Tranmere Rovers last week.
The Dragons approached Rooney's agent and having met with Mills the 25-year-old has decided to turn down Chester's offer and move across the border on a one year deal.
Rooney rubbished rumours linking him with Wrexham last month and said he had no desire to leave the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.
Neil Young brought Rooney to Chester on loan from Bury in November 2013 and the move was made permanent soon after.
He has been a virtual ever-present for the club since then, scoring 29 times in 128 appearances.
Rooney becomes the fourth player to leave Chester since the end of the season after Ross Hannah moved to Barrow, Tony Thompson was released and Craig Hobson signed for Altrincham having not been offered new terms.
