VALE STILL HOT FOR ACE ALEX

MICHAEL Brown says Birmingham City’s surprise sacking of manager Gary Rowett could hinder Port Vale’s hopes of signing onloan striker Alex Jones.

The 22-year-old scored six goals in his first eight games at the club, leading Vale to immediately open negotiations over a permanent move.

Assistant manager Brown said: “We had talked to Gary quite a bit. This could help or hinder.

“But we want Alex at the football club and we will deal with whoever that lands on now.”