James Alabi: Tranmere Rovers sign Chester striker

Chester top scorer James Alabi's tally of 17 league goals in the 2016-17 season was bettered by only seven other National League players

Tranmere Rovers have signed striker James Alabi from neighbours Chester on a deal until the end of 2018-19.

The 22-year-old ex-Scunthorpe trainee hit 23 goals in 58 league appearances in 18 months at Chester after signing from Ipswich Town in January 2016.

Alabi's Chester contract had expired, but they had offered him a new deal and are due a fee as a "satisfactory offer of compensation has not been received".

It will be decided by tribunal if the two clubs do not reach an agreement.

Rovers manager Micky Mellon said: "He is different to the attacking options we have, so it makes us flexible tactically. His goalscoring record stands up for itself, so we have plenty of firepower from all the strikers at the club."

Alabi's departure follows the exit of teenage Chester defender Sam Hughes to 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City in June on a three-year deal for an undisclosed six-figure fee.