Chester eye Rodgers loan

Chester City chairman Stephen Vaughan has revealed his club's interest in Crewe Alexandra striker Luke Rodgers.

The former Shrewsbury Town hit-man has struggled for regular first-team football with The Railwaymen this season.

Blues boss Mark Wright is thought to be keen to boost his attacking ranks by taking the 24-year-old on loan, with Vaughan confirming Chester's interest in the speedy front-man.

"If Luke is available on a loan basis, then naturally we would be very interested," Vaughan told the club's official website.

One striker that looks set to stay at The Saunders Honda Stadium is Michael Branch.

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin had spoken with the out-of-favour Blues striker, but failed to hear from him regarding a three-month loan deal at Spotland.

"We've had a couple of knock backs, but we've a couple of other options to have a look at," Parkin told the Manchester Evening News.

"We've had a look at the stats from the last few games and in terms of creating chances, efforts at goal and balls into the box, we are in the top five in the division.

"What we need is the player to finish it all off - but of course, several other clubs are also in the hunt for exactly the same type of player."