Port Vale: Valiants inquire about loan move for Birchall

by Steve Shaw

PORT Vale have approached Championship outfit Coventry City to explore the possibility of signing former Valiants midfielder Chris Birchall on loan.

The club contacted the Sky Blues yesterday to check on the 24-year-old's availability.

Chairman Bill Bratt was keen not to raise expectations, but hinted the club will make a further approach.

Bratt said: "He's a wide midfield player which we need. We're looking at everybody and Chris is in our remit. So when he comes back from playing for Trinidad and Tobago we'll probably follow it up."

The Stafford-born midfielder was included in Trinidad's squad for their home World Cup qualifier against Cuba last night. Trinidad won 3-0. He is due back in the country tomorrow.

Birchall has yet to make a first-team appearance for Chris Coleman's men this season having joined them from Vale for £325,000 in August 2006.

The Sentinel understands Birchall would welcome an approach from his former club.

Meanwhile, Stockport centre-half Gareth Owen, from Blythe Bridge, is still awaiting another loan offer from Yeovil Town.

Surplus to requirements at Edgeley Park, the former Stoke defender completed his initial one-month spell with the Glovers on Saturday, after coming so close to joining Vale on a similar deal.

The defender held further talks with Yeovil on Tuesday, while Vale continue to keep a close eye on events in readiness to make a second swoop.

Owen says he would prefer a permanent deal to be part of any loan move, and added: "I had positive talks with Yeovil, but a deal is yet to be agreed.

"I also spoke to Bill Bratt on Tuesday. He wanted to know what was happening. From the gist of the conversation I think Vale would be happy to make a loan offer, even maybe a permanent one.

"Of course I'm happy to speak to both clubs at the same time."

Vale striker Luke Rodgers is set to hold talks with Yeovil manager Russell Slade later today ahead of sealing his loan move to the Glovers. If all goes well, it will lead to a £30,000 permanent move in January.

VALE still have at least 100 tickets left for Saturday's League Two trip to Wycombe. They can be bought at the club shop, priced at £18 for adults, £13 for OAPs and students and £4 for under-16s. Tickets bought on match day will cost £2 more.