Port Vale targets Sam, Ince to Coventry ?
By Michael Baggaley (The Sentinel).
Wrexham's out-of-contract forward Hector Sam is understood to be among Port Vale's list of targets.
The Valiants, who are in the market for a striker, were also expecting a decision from a left-back this morning - but could miss out as the player has been offered a longer contract from a lower-division club. Vale boss Martin Foyle refused to confirm Sam was on his hit-list, but added: "There are a few players I have enquired about.
"I hope to hear from one player definitely today, but the other one drag on into pre-season.
"The left-back has had a better offer from a lower-division club, but I am hoping the lure of League One football will count in our favour."
Midfielder Mark Innes also turned down more money at a League Two side to sign for the Valiants.
But Foyle is taking nothing for granted, having already missed out on two left-backs.
Sam is a Trinidad and Tobago team-mate of Vale winger Chris Birchall and is available on a free transfer while he considers Wrexham's offer of a new deal.
The 27-year-old struggled to nail down a regular place in Denis Smith's staring line-up last season, but scored 12 goals in 23 starts and 24 substitute appearances.
He was squeezed out by the success of Wrexham's Spanish striker Juan Ugarte, but the Welsh side are keen to keep him as Ugarte looks like moving on and Chris Armstrong has been released.
Signing Sam would also allow Foyle to postpone games which clashed with international weekends. In Sam, Birchall and Nigeria's George Abbey he would have the three players required under FIFA rules.
Meanwhile, Crewe Alexandra custodian Clayton Ince and Newcastle United keeper Steve Harper have been linked with a move to Coventry City as Micky Adams tries to sort out his goalkeepng situation.
Having been priced out by the wage demands of Shaka Hislop, Micky Adams has turned his attention elsewhere.
A fellow countryman of Stern John, Ince has played 133 times for the Gresty Road club whilst Harper has made 47 appearances for the Magpies and has played for them in the UEFA Cup.
News Just In.
Hector Sam set to finally sign for Port Vale
By Michael Baggaley (The Sentinel)
Port Vale were hoping to finally complete the signing of Wrexham's out-of-contract forward Hector Sam today - 24 hours after they thought they had got their man. The striker was expected at Vale Park yesterday afternoon for a medical and to put pen to paper with the Valiants. The club had even called a press conference to announce the signing and thought Sam was on his way to Burslem when he phoned to say he wanted another day to consider his decision. The Valiants, who are expecting a final decision from a left-back tomorrow, are now keeping fingers crossed that Sam has not had a change of heart.
Assistant manager Dean Glover said: "We were hoping it was in the bag, but something cropped up to delay the decision for another day. It would have been nice to have it signed and sealed, but now we will have to wait."
The 27-year-old is a Trinidad and Tobago team-mate of Vale winger Chris Birchall. He scored 12 goals in 23 starts and 24 substitute appearances last season for Wrexham, who have offered him a new one-year contract.
Meanwhile, former Vale striker Dave Hibbert has signed a three-year contract at Preston. The 19-year-old, from Eccleshall, moved to Deepdale after rejecting the Valiants' offer of a one-year deal with an option for a further season. The clubs have yet to agree a fee, so the issue looks likely to go to a tribunal.
