Rumour Mill: Oldham Athletic linked with released Port Vale midfielder
A football website claims that League Two rivals Oldham Athletic are interested in signing released Port Vale midfielder Luke Joyce.
Joyce was one of fifteen players to be released by the Valiants this summer. According to the website d3d4football.com he is now attracting the attention of the Latics. The website claims:
Oldham Athletic could be eying up a move for experienced ball-winning midfielder Luke Joyce, D3D4 Football understands.
The Latics struggled defensively last season shipping a League Two high 81 goals. Their lack of strength and experience in the middle of the park played a huge part in that fact, something Keith Curle is looking to correct for the 2021/22 campaign.
Joyce’s ability to win possession high up the pitch and retain it was clear as he won the ball 80 times in the opponents half last season for Darrell Clarke’s side, second only to Jay Spearing in League Two. He also completed a team-high 1,479 passes for the Valiants, often starting many of Vale’s attacking moves from deep, creating 12 chances and notching four assists.
D3D4 Football understands that the Latics boss has had a conversation with the 33-year-old about linking up at Boundary Park after they worked well together at Carlisle United, but nothing concrete has yet been agreed.
The move may appeal to the midfielder who has played his entire footballing career in the North West and who will be keen to remain in League football.
34 year-old Joyce spent three years in Burslem making 131 appearances and scoring once. The Valiants have recently signed Brad Walker who looks set to take over in Joyce’s defensive midfield role.