[themaclad]

Promotion-chasing League Two club Port Vale have signed teenage midfielder Finn Ashworth from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season.

Ashworth, 19, signed his first professional contract with Wolves in July 2024 and has made four appearances for the club, all as part of the Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy.

"It isn't a case of putting him straight into the action," Vale boss Darren Moore said. "We will give him the time he needs to settle in. Hopefully he can play his part for us as we get towards the business end of the season.

"Finn is a talented young midfield player who's really caught the eye. We're grateful to Wolves for allowing us to continue his development here at Vale Park. I'm sure he will benefit from being in and around the first-team environment."

Vale sit sixth in League Two, 11 points off top spot, having led the table until the beginning of December.

Ashworth's arrival follows the departure earlier in the day of goalkeeper Connor Ripley to Ian Holloway's improving Swindon Town.

[themaclad]

Defender Nathan Smith is to leave Port Vale after 16 years with the club.

Smith, who came through the club's academy, made 428 appearances and scored 22 goals for the Valiants after making his senior debut in the 2016-17 season.

The 29-year-old was twice named Player of the Season and twice helped Vale win promotion to League One - in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

"Nathan Smith has been an incredible servant to this football club and leaves with our very best wishes," Vale manager Darren Moore told the club website.

"I'm sure I speak on behalf of every Vale supporter when I say he will forever be part of the club.

"It's hard for us all to say goodbye to such a top player and important character, but we feel this is the right time for Smudge to take on a new challenge.

"For this season to end in promotion is fitting, and we're all delighted for him that he's departing on the back of such a fantastic achievement for the club."

Right-back Tom Sang and midfielders Ethan Chislett, Rekeem Harper and Jason Lowe, who have all been regulars this season, will also leave this summer.

Andrew Buah, Dan Jones and Diamond Edwards have also been released.

Defenders Kyle John, who won the club's young player of the season award, and Jesse Debrah, as well as academy goalkeeper Arron Davies have had their contracts extended, while right-back Mitch Clark remains in discussions regarding his contract.

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed former Port Vale central defender Nathan Smith on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old was released by the Valiants earlier this month after making 428 appearances in all competitions for the club.

Graduating from Vale's academy, Smith made his debut in August 2016 and went on to gain two promotions from League Two.

Smith made 24 appearances in the league last season as he helped guide his side back to the third tier and reunites with former Vale boss Andy Crosby at Prenton Park.

"It feels really good. I've worked with the gaffer before, and loved every second of how he works," Smith told Tranmere's club website., external

"I'm ready to put my body on the line for the cause at any point and do what it takes to win."

[themaclad]

Port Vale have signed Blackpool wing-back Jordan Gabriel following the conclusion of his contract with the Seasiders this summer.

The former Nottingham Forest academy player has been released by the Lancashire club after four seasons and made 37 appearances during 2024-25.

Gabriel has signed a two-year deal to become the Valiants first signing of the summer as they prepare for life back in League One following automatic promotion.

Manager Darren Moore told the Vale club website: "He's a player we have watched and admired for some time, and his experience at Championship and League One level will be really valuable to us."

[themaclad]

Port Vale wing-back Mitchell Clark has signed a new one-year contract with the newly promoted League One club.

The 26-year-old joined Vale for a fourth time from Accrington Stanley two years ago and has made 37 appearances since then, and 98 for the club in total.

Clark played 20 times in League Two last season as Port Vale finished second to clinch automatic promotion back to the third tier after two seasons away.

"He's a popular player among the supporters and someone we think very highly of," Vale boss Darren Moore told the club website, external.

"So it's great that he will be remaining part of the group as we prepare for the club's return to League One."

Clark's new deal comes four days after the club added another wing-back to their squad ahead of next season with the arrival of Jordan Gabriel from Blackpool.

[themaclad]

Kyle John has signed a new two-year deal with Port Vale after playing a key role in the club's promotion to League One.

The 24-year-old was offered a new contract after making 31 appearances for Vale in all competitions last season, which saw them finish second in League Two.

Defender John was named as the club's Young Player of the Season and his new deal includes an option for a third year.

The Everton academy product was released by the Premier League club last summer and he signed for Vale following a trial and a long-term injury to Mitch Clark.

Manager Darren Moore told the club's website, external: "Kyle really took his opportunity with both hands last season, and we're delighted that he's signed a new contract here at Vale Park.

"He's a dynamic player with endless energy and plenty of potential, so I'm sure this positive news will be well received by our supporters."

[themaclad]

Promoted Port Vale have made their second signing ahead of their return to League One next season with the arrival of attacking midfielder Rico Richards from Aston Villa on a permanent deal.

Richards was part of Vale's successful promotion campaign last term during his season-long loan from the Premier League club.

He played in 27 league games, with 19 of those appearances from the bench.

Richards, 21, has agreed a two-year contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

"He showed last season that he's a player that can affect games for us and really get supporters off their seats," Moore said.

"He's someone I've known for a long time and he's already got a good level of experience under his belt at a young age.

"We're all glad that he'll be continuing his development here at Port Vale."

Richards is Vale's second new recruit following Blackpool wing-back Jordan Gabriel, while defenders Mitchell Clark and Kyle John have agreed new contracts.

[themaclad]

League One newcomers Port Vale have signed Shrewsbury Town midfielder Jordan Shipley on a two-year deal.

It follows the conclusion of Shipley's contract with Salop after making 125 appearances since joining in 2022.

The 27-year-old earned two promotions with Coventry City before linking up with the Shropshire side, including helping the Sky Blues reach the Championship in 2020.

"Jordan's signing represents another really strong addition to the squad and we're all pleased to have him on board," Port Vale boss Darren Moore told the club's website., external

"He's another player that has played regularly at this level and above, so I have no doubt he will strengthen us and we'll look forward to welcoming him to Vale Park when the players return for pre-season training."