Port Vale journalist says there’s no interest in Swindon Town forward
A leading Port Vale journalist says that rumours that the Valiants are interested in Swindon Town forward Hallum Hope are wide of the mark.
The Vale are looking to add a fourth striker to their squad this summer after allowing Richie Bennett and Jordan Archer to leave at the end of last season. As a result, the club currently have Mark Cullen, Tom Pope (who faces a six match suspension) and the talented but inexperienced Devante Rodney as their central forward options. The Valiants will be keen to add a new face to add to their options at the start of the new campaign.
Transfer speculation was heightened when Valiants manager John Askey says he was in talks with a potential target. Askey said he felt he could potentially move for a higher profile figure as wages demands will decrease once the start of the new season gets nearer. As a result, Askey said the club was engaged in a waiting game for their forward target.
Several names have already been linked with the club and journalist Alan Nixon claimed on Wednesday that Port Vale were interested in Hope who joined Swindon from Carlisle United last season and helped Town to promotion to League One:
Port Vale. Showing big interest in Hallam Hope at Swindon. Want him for promotion push …
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 19, 2020
However, BBC Radio Stoke’s match commentator Phil Bowers replied on Twitter saying that the report is not true:
Understand that Port Vale have NOT spoken to Swindon striker Hallam Hope. Not pursuing a move for him at the moment either #PVFC pic.twitter.com/ZU5MkIHsd6
— Phil Bowers (@PhilJBowers) August 20, 2020
Hallum Hope Factfile
Age: 26
Clubs: Everton, Bury, Carlisle Utd, Swindon Town
Loans: Northampton Town, Bury, Sheff Wed, Carlisle Utd
Appearances: 204
Goals: 45
Hallum Hope image at top – from Bury FC
Who's going where...
A thorough update of Port Vale signings and contract updates over the summer of 2020.
Port Vale Signings
July 6th 2020: John Askey says club are set to sign a new striker
July 7th 2020: Port Vale sign Devante Rodney on a three year contract
July 16th 2020: Port Vale sign Zak Mills on a one year deal
Aug 6th 2020: Port Vale sign Danny Whitehead on a two year deal
Aug 21st 2020: John Askey confirms talks with striker Nicky Maynard