by Steve Shaw

VALE chairman Bill Bratt says Yeovil Town's improved bid to sign Luke Rodgers still has major obstacles to overcome before a deal is done.

The League One side initially offered to take the striker on loan until January with a view to securing a £20,000 permanent deal.

But negotiations broke down last week after Vale sought a guaranteed fee of between £50,000 and £60,000 as part of any loan deal.

The Glovers raised the stakes yesterday afternoon when they again offered to take Rodgers on loan, but with a £30,000 fee on the table for a permanent switch in January.

While Bratt's stance over the fee has softened, he feels the lack of assurances over payment would not be in the best interests of the club.

He explained: "The letter says they just want him on loan and have given no guarantees over the fee, which could turn out badly for us.

"For example, if we sent Luke there and he got injured, they may send him back crocked.

"We need some guarantees over the payment. There are also things like how much of his wages they are willing to pay during the loan spell.

"If we can get over this, the fee is acceptable because if Luke did move we would want to get back what we paid for him.

"There is room for negotiation and I will try to speak with Yeovil today."

Vale paid Crewe £30,000 for Rodgers in January 2007, and Bratt said Yeovil's new offer included a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

However, Yeovil boss Russell Slade has insisted his new offer for Rodgers will be the last.

Describing it as "the final throw of the dice", he added: "We'll see what this proposal brings and then draw it to a conclusion one way or another."

It was also reported that three other clubs have approached Vale to sign Rodgers, who has hit 20 goals in 66 appearances for the club.

But Bratt added: "Yeovil's is the only bid on the table. We had two inquiries from League One clubs in the past two months but neither took it any further."

MIDFIELDER Dave Brammer is expected to be fit for Vale's trip to Wycombe on Saturday.