PORT Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has said that he is expecting a top-six challenge from his side having signed 11 players already this summer.

Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Jerome Thomas and ex-Blackburn striker Anton Forrester have become the latest additions to Bruno Ribeiro’s new-look side at Vale Park.

Smurthwaite told BBC Radio Stoke: “I would not have put a large amount of money in to be mid-table mediocre.”

  • OLDHAM Athletic continue to piece together their squad for the new campaign with the addition of two more faces.

Former Liverpool trainee Ryan Flynn, 27, has signed a two-year deal after spending five years with Sheffield United.

While, Dutch defender Marc Kolk, 23, joins on a six-month deal, having previously had a spell at Scottish Premier League side Ross County.

The Latics have also signed striker Billy Mckay from Championship side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.

  • BRADFORD City have signed French midfielder Timothee Dieng on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract with Oldham Athletic.
  • PETERBOROUGH United have given former striker Paul Taylor a route back into football after offering him a one-year deal at London Road. The 28-year-old was released by Ipswich Town in 2015 and spent last season without a club.
  • BOLTON Wanderers have signed goalkeeper Mark Howard on a two-year deal. He was a free agent following his departure from Sheffield United.
  • HIBERNIAN goalkeeper Mark Oxley has signed a two-year contract at Southend United.
  • ROCHDALE forward Reuben Noble-Lazarus has signed a new one-year contract at Spotland.
  • OXFORD United have sold winger Callum O’Dowda to Championship side Bristol City for a fee believed to be worth up to £1.6million.
  • CHARLTON Athletic have lost last year’s player of the season after Queens Park Rangers signed midfielder Jordan Cousins for a fee thought to be in the region of £1.5million.