CHESTER CITY central defender Ashley Westwood is poised to join fellow Coca-Cola League Two club Swindon Town on loan in the next 48 hours.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United trainee, who joined City from Northampton Town during the summer, has made 21 appearances for Chester but has been out of action recently because of a hamstring injury.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: “Ashley has indicated that he would like to move to Swindon Town, so if the transaction is completed then we wish him well down there. We are still looking to bring players into the club on loan ourselves, and it is possible that a player from Swindon may be coming in the opposite direction.”

Vaughan added: “Mark Wright’s main priorities are to bring in a striker and a right-sided midfield player, and we are working extremely hard to bolster our squad in those department.”

Another player who has been linked with Chester is the promising Kettering Town striker Rene Howe.The 20-year-old bustling forward, who has been a prolific scorer for the Midlanders this season, is a former Aston Villa trialist.

City are next in action tomorrow night when the League Two basement club Torquay United visit the Deva Stadium.

Chester are again likely to be without defender Simon Marples, who missed Tuesday’s draw against Hereford United because of a hamstring injury.

In another development City defender James Vaughan has returned to the club following a month’s loan spell with Conference North Droylsden.