CHESTER CITY last night made an official offer to the former Wigan Athletic and Swansea City midfielder Roberto Martinez.
The 31-year-old Spaniard watched City's friendly match against Blackpool from the stands at the Deva Stadium on Monday, and further talks took place yesterday.
City manager Mark Wright is keen to add the cultured playmaker to his squad. He said: "We have made what I think is an attractive, revised offer to Roberto, and hopefully he will agree to join us.
"I am aware that there are other clubs interested in signing him, but with a player of his quality, it is only natural that he will attract a lot of interest."
Wright is also on the look-out for a goalkeeper and a box-to-box midfielder prior to the start of the new Football League season on Saturday, August 5.
Chester are again in pre-season friendly action tonight, when they travel to the Butchers Arms to face Nationwide North club Droylsden.
"I will take a team made up of youngsters, players who are in need of games and trialists over to Droylsden. There could possibly be a surprise inclusion in our squad, but I would rather not disclose the player's name," said Wright.
Chester's final pre-season match of the summer campaign, takes place on Saturday when Huddersfield Town visit the Deva Stadium.
The afternoon has been designated as a "Fun Day" - there will be sideshows, and a chance for supporters to meet the City players. Reduced admission charges will be applicable for the game.
Meanwhile, like a number of Football League clubs, Chester have been instructed to submit details of their anticipated financial expendture for the forthcoming season, in the next seven days. Failure to do so would incur a transfer embargo, and possibly, points deduction.
