SAM HUGHES is on the verge of leaving Chester with the Blues ready to agree a fee for the in-demand defender.

The 20-year-old has been courted by a host of clubs including Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, with Lincoln City recently joining the race to sign the  youngster.

However, Hughes is now understood to have settled on his destination and the move could be confirmed within the next 24 hours, with Chester hoping to shake hands on a transfer fee in order to avoid a player tribunal.

Hughes was subject of a bid in the region of £80,000 from Barnsley in January but Blues’ chief executive Mark Maguire turned down the offer, with the club confident they will achieve a six-figure fee for the player.

Hughes, who hails from West Kirby, made 39 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring three times, and was named as the club’s youngest ever captain in the 3-2 defeat against Tranmere Rovers in March.

Chester boss Jon McCarthy, meanwhile, could secure another new signing this week, although defensive target Ritchie Sutton has opted to sign a new deal at Tranmere Rovers.