CHESTER CITY are hopeful of completing two signings today with the Doncaster Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill due to join on a month's loan and former Wigan Athletic player Roberto Martinez expected to join from Swansea City.
The Ravenhill loan deal is likely to become a permanent transfer in a month's time, while terms have been agreed with Martinez who is expected to sign a two-year contract.
Last week it appeared that the Ravenhill transfer had floundered, however Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan resurrected the deal yesterday and his perseverance appears to have been rewarded.
He said: "I have spoken to the Doncaster chairman John Ryan and the player will initially sign a loan agreement on Friday, and we will sign him permanently in three or four weeks' time when John returns from holiday.
"We have also agreed terms with Roberto Martinez, but we'll have to wait for international clearance."
The acquisition of 33-year-old Martinez and Ravenhill virtually completes City's team rebuilding for the summer, it is expected that the only further addition to the squad will be a goalkeeper, and that could be finalised next week.
In another development, Michael Branch has been taken off the transfer list and started training with the club.
The 27-year-old former Everton striker looked as though he would leave Chester when he handed in a transfer request at the end of last season, but Vaughan is pleased that the player has elected to stay at the Deva Stadium.
"Michael has shaken hands with Mark Wright and resumed training. When he reaches full fitness he will come into contention."
