DENIS SMITH today questioned Chester City's move for three Wrexham players.

City, who host Wrexham in the LDV Vans trophy on November 30, are ready to swoop for Hector Sam, Dennis Lawrence and Steve Roberts before the end of the week.

Smith said: "People are winding things up in the newspapers and this is farcical.

"And why would Chester come in and buy these players now when in ten days there may not even be a club here? If they offered £1 million then I may be interested!"

Chester boss Ian Rush admitted he was targeting three Reds players.

Rush said he had submitted a list of four or five players to chairman Stephen Vaughan who he thinks would strengthen his squad.

Rush said: "I've got a few players in mind and it just depends on their availability.

"I've been looking to see where I can improve and strengthen my squad and I'm planning to speak to my chairman later today.

"Wrexham have an excellent central defensive partnership of Dennis Lawrence and Stephen Roberts who could do a good job for us.

"And I think Hector Sam would also be a good signing for us, but we won't do anything until we get permission from Wrexham.

"The Wrexham manager, Denis Smith, is a good friend of mine and I know they are struggling at the moment, but from my point of view I just want to get on with strengthening my squad."

News of a possible swoop for three Wrexham players will spice up the LDV Vans Trophy clash between the two clubs.

The game is all-ticket and arrangements will be announced in the next 10 days.

Meanwhile, there were also reports that Welsh Premier League club TNS are interested in Reds' striker Juan Ugarte.

Ugarte has signed for Wrexham on a non-contract basis and came on as substitute in Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Luton Town.

And Smith added: "TNS might be interested in Juan but it's whether he wants to go there."