Savage joined Derby from Blackburn in January 2008

Port Vale are believed to be interested in signing Derby's Wales international Robbie Savage, who is available on loan, reports BBC Radio Stoke.

The managerless Valiants have contacted the Rams about a possible deal but it is thought they cannot afford to pay their part of his �25,000-a-week wages.

The 33-year-old started his career with Crewe and spent three years there before joining Leicester City in 1997.

Crewe have reportedly turned down the opportunity to re-sign the player.