Potential Wilson interest, Butterworth move, loan decisions: The main Port Vale transfer talking points as January looms | OneFootball

It has been a good first season back in League One for Port Vale.

The Valiants were promoted through the League Two play-offs last campaign and after a mixed start to life in the third tier, they have really found their feet and currently sit 11th in the table, just two points behind sixth-placed Peterborough United.

Darrell Clarke’s side have secured some notable results this season, such as wins away at promotion-chasing Derby County and Plymouth Argyle.

They have more than held their own at the level and do not look out of place, with a potential top six push not out of the question.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Clarke may want to strengthen his squad. But ahead of the window opening, what are some of the main talking points at Vale Park?

Potential James Wilson interest

Wilson has been one of the key players for Vale under Clarke, with the 27-year-old scoring 15 goals in all competitions last term and four so far this campaign.

The striker hit the headlines earlier this month after a brace in the 2-0 win over the Pilgrims at Home Park.

Wilson was once a highly-rated prospect at Manchester United and he is beginning to fulfill some of the potential which saw him make 20 senior appearances at Old Trafford.

It is not just his goals that have been useful, his all-round game and link-up play have been a huge part of Vale’s success and it would be no surprise to see him attract admirers from elsewhere if his form continues.

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Danny Butterworth move

Another of the main attacking threats for Vale has been forward Danny Butterworth.

The 23-year-old arrived on loan from Blackburn Rovers in August and he has scored three goals during his time at Vale Park so far.

He scored an impressive individual goal in the 1-0 home win over Charlton Athletic last month and has spoken of how much he is enjoying life at the club.

With the likes of Sam Gallagher, George Hirst and Ben Brereton Diaz currently ahead of him in the pecking order at Ewood Park, Vale could try to turn his loan into a permanent deal if he does not feature in Jon Dahl Tomasson’s long-term plans.

One decision for Clarke to make in January could be wish players are allowed to leave on loan.

Youngsters including Sammy Robinson, Tommy McDermott and Liam McCarron have all featured for the first team this season but have had limited minutes, so could perhaps benefit from some time elsewhere.

Clarke may want them to gain as much experience of senior football as possible to make them physically and mentally stronger to compete for places.