Vale Step Up Striker Hunt

With replacing Marc Richards` goals a priority for Micky Adams, the Vale boss has invited the former Darlington striker Tadhg Purcell to train with the club over pre-season. The 26 year old Irishman enjoyed a successful spell with Shamrock Rovers before making an immediate impact on his arrival in England in January 2010. Purcell scored nine times in a Darlington side battling relegation, which resulted in a move to Northampton Town at the end of the campaign. However, a knee injury suffered on his first appearance for the Cobblers ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Loan spells at Darlington and Cork City have followed, before being made surplus to requirements by Northampton boss Aidy Bothroyd.

Liam Dickinson is rumoured to be Adams` number one target to replace Richards, although the ex-Southend striker is himself recovering from a broken ankle.