Chester FC joint-boss Anthony Johnson is confident of making ‘three or four new signings’ over the course of the next week, although a deal for Jason Oswell looks increasingly unlikely.

With co-manager Bernard Morley away on holiday, and several transfer targets also out of the country, transfer business at Chester has stalled over the past fortnight but is now set to gather pace over the coming days, with a fifth summer signing set to join the National League North outfit within 48 hours.

“I’m hopeful we’ll be announcing a new signing within the next 48 hours,” Johnson said.

“There’s three or four where we’ve got verbal agreements in place, but players are away on their holidays, so it’s just gone a little quiet in terms of actually getting deals over the line.

“Later this week and going into the weekend, I’d expect a few things to happen.

“Pre-season gets underway next week, so ideally, we want most of them in ahead of the sessions starting. A handful of trialists will also be coming in during pre-season so we can look at them.”

Johnson and Morley have spoken to Stockport County striker Oswell about a potential switch to the Deva, but Johnson admits the National League North’s Player of the Year is now likely to move to a full-time club, with Morecambe, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Wrexham all chasing his signature.

“We spoke to Jason and we had a really good chat with him and he knows we’d love to bring him to Chester,” he explained.

“He lives and works in Chester, so if he wants to remain part-time, then I know he is interested in Chester as a club.

“He’s made no secret that he wants to go full-time and he’s got Football League and National League clubs look at him, so he’s going to get bigger and better offers.

“But if Jason opts to stay part-time then there’s an opportunity for him here. But in terms of players we’re looking to get over the line, it’s one which has slipped down the pecking order for us.”

The Blues return to pre-season next week, although Johnson and Morley are set to rearrange their plans for the opening week to allow the players the chance to watch England’s final Group G clash at the World Cup against Belgium, who are managed by former Chester City midfielder Roberto Martinez.

“We’re back in on Monday, training in the evenings,” he added.

“We’ve rejigged things around for the first week, as England play Belgium on the Thursday night and I don’t want any of our lads to have to miss that, as it’s a big day for everyone.

“It gives us six weeks of pre-season and I can’t wait to get out there and start preparing the lads for the new season.”