Vale eager to hold on to Richards

Richards signed a new contract with Port Vale last summer

Port Vale assistant manager Ian Brightwell has insisted the club want to keep striker Marc Richards at Vale Park as the transfer deadline looms.

Vale are struggling financially and might have been tempted to cash in on their most prized asset.

But Brightwell told BBC Radio Stoke: "You want to keep your best players and he comes into that category.

"He's been injured recently but we want to get him fit within the next week. He will be a good addition to have back."

Vale have been busy in the transfer market in January, making five new additions to their squad, but Brightwell admitted that there was unlikely to be any further signings at Vale Park.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Morecambe on Saturday, Brightwell added: "We've got a number of targets, and if we were able to do anything we would do, but it's looking doubtful.

"The players that are already here are doing well and have shown that they are prepared to roll their sleeves up for the cause."

Vale are in action again on Tuesday when they play their rearranged game against Exeter.