Outgoing Port Vale midfielder Luke Joyce is said to be of interest to Oldham Athletic, with D3D4 Football reporting that the Latics have already held talks with the 33-year-old. 

Joyce turned out for the Vale on 45 occasions during the season just gone across all competitions but is one of a cluster of players that has been told that their futures lie away from the Sky Bet League Two outfit as he prepares to be released.

It is said in the report that Oldham boss Keith Curle has already held initial conversations with the veteran midfielder about the player potentially signing for the Latics this summer, with the duo having previously worked together during their time at Carlisle United.

A former Wigan Athletic youth player, Joyce would add some much needed steel to a Oldham midfield which largely failed to protect their defence for much of the season just gone, with Curle looking to bring in a host of fresh faces to Boundary Park.

Joyce has played 480 games at League Two level and is set to depart Vale Park at the end of this month.

The Verdict

The outgoing Vale midfielder would certainly be a good addition on paper for Oldham as he knows division four like the back of his hand after taking in over 400 games at that level.

He would provide a great deal of guidance to a lot of the club's younger players and would undoubtedly be a good leadership figure in the dressing room moving forwards if he made the move.

Joyce is likely to attract widespread interest from other clubs in League Two, so the Latics must move fast if they are to tie him down to a contract.

His relationship with Curle could well prove key to getting a deal done, with the two having done so well together at Carlisle in previous years.