Manager dismisses talk of Birmingham City bid for Port Vale defender

Port Vale manager John Askey has dismissed online rumours that Championship side Birmingham City are interested in Port Vale defender Nathan Smith as “nothing”.

Locally-born Smith has been in fine form this season and Internet rumours have linked the Blues with a swoop for the 23 year-old central defender.

However, when asked the question in a press conference, Askey told the media: “You have probably been talking to Nathan’s agent!

“There has been nothing as regards that. It would be great for the lad if that was the case and I think we would all wish him well. We don’t want to lose him, not at all, but I think that is just things put about by certain agents.”

Smith progressed through the Port Vale junior ranks and was sent on loan to National League Torquay United for the whole of the 2015-16 season. Smith was a virtual ever-present and endeared himself to the fans by standing in the terraces when he was briefly injured. The defender then swept the board at the end of year awards winning both the young player and player of the year awards.

Smith was then picked by the Valiants at the start of the 2016-17 season and has been a virtual ever-present since. The defender has been named as both Port Vale young player of the season and player of the season and has been the regular first pick alongside Leon Legge all this season. He is now just eight games away from reaching 200 career appearances for the Valiants.

Madeley-born Smith is out of contract in the summer but the Vale are keen to agree a new deal with one of their more saleable assets.