Chester City owner, Vaughan, and Blues boss, Simon Davies were both anxious to see the 24-year-old centre half sign a new contract today.

Vaughan said: "I'm confident Paul Linwood will sign a new contract.

"But we've got an option on him and we're ready to exercise that option if he wants to better his career elsewhere.

"Simon Davies wants to build our side around Paul Linwood and I hope we can.

"I believe that Paul Linwood is in the same mould as Danny Collins who has now progressed to Premiership football at Sunderland.

"There has been no official inquiry for Paul Linwood which has personally surprised me after the way he has played this season.

"We've got a young side, but we've earmarked a few individuals who Simon Davies believes will strengthen the squad."

Linwood enjoyed a clean sweep of four trophies in the Chester City Player of the Year Awards ceremony which took place before the Blues final game of the season.

But Linwood's contract expires at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, both defender Kevin Sandwith and striker Chris Holroyd are considering offers from Chester after meeting Simon Davies late last week.

Sandwith was a regular in Davies' starting line-up towards the end of the campaign, while Holroyd struggled during the concluding weeks of the season due to injury.

And Vaughan revealed that the club had staged a meeting with Paul Butler and Tony Dinning, and had had a meeting with the PFA.

He said: "We have taken legal advice on the matter involving Paul Butler and Tony Dinning in a bid to resolve the situation."

Both Butler, who had been appointed assistant manager, and Dinning, were told to stay away from the club for the final six matches of last season.

- Chester has revealed on it's website that the development of a new club shop based in the City Centre will begin soon.

Chester City Council has agreed to lease the former Post Office on Watergate Street, opposite Bar Lounge.

The shop, which will be run in association with Gazelle Sports, is to sell club merchandise which was previously available from Queensferry Sports in Deeside including football shirts, trainers and club merchandise.

It will also sell match tickets, season tickets and lottery tickets.

Managing director Bob Gray is excited about the new project and said: "There is a lot of refurbishment that needs doing. It's going to take time."

Signs have been placed in the shop window which say: 'Chester City Official Club shop opening soon in association with Gazelle Sports.'

Bob Gray added: "The shop will be in an easy locality for the fans to get to. It's worthwhile for fans who can go and buy what they need.

We're trying to give the fans what they want."