Richards scored five goals in 19 league starts for Vale last season

Port Vale striker Marc Richards is in talks with Cheltenham Town over a possible move to Whaddon Road.

The Valiants have been left with no choice but to accept a bid of �100,000 for the 26-year-old because of a release clause in his contract.

Vale chairman Bill Bratt told BBC Radio Stoke: "The fee they have offered isn't Marc's true valuation.

"I think he is worth nearer �300,000 but unfortunately the ball is now in his court."

Richards joined the Valiants from Barnsley in July 2007 and has recently stated his desire to renegotiate his contract at Vale Park.

"He's going to Cheltenham to see what kind of deal they can offer and if it's good enough for him then I think he'll go," said Bratt.

"He has said he would like to stay at Vale so I just hope his talks with Cheltenham won't be successful."

Cheltenham manager Keith Downing told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that Richards' club may be trying to attract alternative suitors for the striker.

"We've gone quietly about it and put a bid in. Port Vale have made it public, they want to probably gather some interest."

Downing added that Richards was "as close as you get" to Bristol City striker Steve Brooker, who had a loan spell at Whaddon Road last season.

"I think we need a person that can get hold of [the ball], get us further down the pitch.

"I've done my homework with [Richards] as a person. He ticks the right boxes to come to Cheltenham, it depends now on if he wants to."