Valiants chasing Pead

Vale manager Martin Foyle is keeping tabs on Pead's situation as Walsall continue to deliberate on which out-of-contract players to offer new deals to.

And it is believed he is ready to offer the utility man a two-year contract at Vale Park and is in pole position to land Pead's signature if Walsall decide not to extend his two-year Bescot stint.

Pead started 30 games in the Saddlers' League Two title-winning season and his efforts earned him a place in the PFA's League Two team of the year.

But he has struggled to hold down a regular place in one position in the team, with his appearance coming in a variety of roles including full-back and central midfield.

Vale are clearing the decks following their mid-table finish in League One this season and are prepared to make Pead their first-choice right-back for the new campaign.

But he is likely to keep his options open until Walsall publish their own retained list, which is expected to be completed in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Saddlers look set to lose out to Vale in the race for former Wolves trainee Shane Tudor.

Saddlers are believed to have enquired about the Bilston-born wide midfielder after he decided to leave Leyton Orient to move closer to his Midlands roots.

But sources in the Potteries suggest that Vale are close to sealing a deal for the 25-year-old.