CHESTER could bolster their squad with further signings if there are funds available, says Bernard Morley.

The Blues have already made a raft of new additions to their squad this summer as they chase promotion from National League North next term.

Morley and joint-manager Anthony Johnson have hailed the balance of their current squad, which was bolstered with the signing of goalkeeper Russ Griffiths just hours before their friendly with Carlisle United.

The 23-year-old stopper became the club’s sixth permanent signing, but Morley insists the club will keep an open mind in the remaining weeks of the transfer market.

“I’m sure we’ll be knocking on the board’s door and seeing what we’ve got left”, he said.

“We don’t know what’s around the corner and who will become available.

“If we have got to be ruthless with some people who’ve signed and get them out on loan then we’ll do that.

“The three central midfielders, for the majority of the season there will only be two of them playing.

“We’ve got Iwan Murray who’s shown class again, we’ve got Anthony Dudley who has played in that number 10 role and has shown to be better than anyone in our league.

“Then there is Craig Mahon who was absolutely unbelievable in that number 10 role (against Carlisle).

“In terms of balance I think it is there, however, you don’t know what’s around the corner or who might become available from a Blackburn or a Fleetwood, so we’ll sit tight with that and continue to work with what we have got and we’re happy with what we’ve got.

“It’s never complete but in terms of the difference between last year I think there is a massive improvement.”

Among those under consideration for deals is trialist striker Rhys Oates, who impressed in the Blues' first three summer friendlies.

Oates, who has since returned to his native Isle of Man where he plays for Peel FC, fired a hat-trick for Chester in their 9-1 friendly win at Newquay last week.

With a decision now pending on his future at the Deva, Morley outlined the club's stance on the 24-year-old forward.

“Rhys has gone back to the Isle of Man and he impressed us massively,” said Morley.

“We’ve had a conversation with Rhys about how it can happen and what type of money it’s going to be. He just wants an opportunity to be in this league and I think he has done enough to be given that opportunity.

"However, money talks, and if we can work it we'll work it and if not we'll do our best to get him somewhere located round here so we can keep an eye on him."