Port Vale's Adam Yates hopes to earn new contract

Stoke-born Yates signed for his boyhood team in 2009

Port Vale defender Adam Yates says he is keen to secure a new contract at the club, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

Yates, 27 is in his second season at Vale Park and has featured in every league game this campaign.

"Obviously I want to stay," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"If you go chasing a contract you won't get it - you need to wait for it. But you get rewards in football for working hard," he added.

With the team second in League Two and promotion a realistic possibility, Yates hopes the players who have done well for the club this season will be given the chance to make further progress next year.

"We've certainly been doing well this year and I'm hopeful I can get something at this club," he added.

The former Morecambe full-back said the club's announcement of a summer tour to the United States has provided an extra incentive to players looking to earn a new deal.

"It's brilliant - the club can build bridges over there and the players can see a different way of playing.

"Whenever I've played against American sides, they've always been at the peak of fitness and athleticism.

"Obviously the MLS is a massive league now so I'm just hopeful I'll be here for the tour," he said.