Birchall set to train with Port Vale?
The club’s most-capped International, Chris Birchall, has indicated that he may be training with the Valiants next week.
Birchall is keen to stress that the training is to maintain his fitness levels as he is still contracted to US side Columbus Crew.
However, the tweet has prompted speculation that Birchall could join the Valiants on a loan deal, similar to those undertaken by Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry who both joined English clubs during the US season’s break.
Birchall, who was signed by Micky Adams for Coventry City in 2006, came close to joining the Valiants again in February 2012.
But despite Birchall offering to play for free, the move was blocked as Vale were handed a transfer embargo after it emerged the club still owed money for previous transfers.
However, should Birchall join on a short-term loan, it would offer a boost to Micky Adams’ side, who missed out on the signings of Lee Hughes and Jed Wallace in the loan window due to technical issues sending the required documents to the Football League.
Birchall would offer experience cover both on the flanks and in central midfield.
Birchall Factfile
The Trinidad and Tobago International is the club’s most capped International with 22 full caps and is the only person to appear at a World Cup finals whilst a Port Vale player.
After rising through the junior ranks at Vale, he made 91 appearances and scored nine goals, before a £325,000 move to Coventry City, then managed by current Vale boss Micky Adams.