Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has explained to the Sentinel why a potential extension for Alex Jones broke down.
The forward has been linked with a move to Bradford City over the last few days – having spent the first half of the season at Stoke-On-Trent based, Port Vale.
He joined the on loan from Birmingham City and went on to score 10 goals for The Valiants during the opening five months of the season.
Having experienced a successful period under Bruno Ribiero, it was initially thought that Jones would extend his stay at Vale Park.
However, following the resignation of Ribiero on boxing day, a move failed to materialise. Norman Smurthwaite has now explained that he had hoped to lure Jones to the club permanently, but following talks with the player’s agent, those hopes were eventually dashed.
Now, his side are now on the lookout for another forward. Having already been on the look out for an addition to their forward line, Jones’ departure now means that they will now have to increase that figure.
His form whilst on loan at the Vale has brought forward interest from promotion hopefuls, Bradford City.
The Bantams, who currently sit fifth, may face stiff competition for Jones. His growing profile is said to have alerted the attention of several other League One clubs.
However, it appears like they are leading the race to sign the forward, who joined Birmingham in the summer of 2015, following a spell with West Bromwich Albion.
He enjoyed a loan spell with Grimsby Town in the National League, before linking up with Vale at the beginning of this campaign.
