Page Keen to Retain Alnwick & Ikpeazu

Page Keen to Retain Alnwick & Ikpeazu

Port Vale boss Rob Page is keen to retain the services of Jak Alnwick and Uche Ikpeazu beyond their current deals.

The duo have impressed since their arrival during the summer, becoming first team regulars and fans’ favourites.


Alnwick, who joined as a free agent following his release from Newcastle United, is currently on a short-term contract that runs out in the New Year.


Speaking to the press, the manager insisted conversations have begun to extend the 22-year-old goalkeeper’s stay at Vale Park.


“We are in discussions and we’re confident something will be done,” he said. “Maybe by Thursday we’ll maybe have some more news on that.”


With six goals from 16 games so far, striker Ikpeazu is on course to bag 20 goals or more this campaign.


The 20-year-old, on loan from Premier League side Watford, has made a big impact in League One using his physical power and presence to bully defenders.


“We recognise what he brings to the club, to the team, the goals he’s scored,” the manager said.


“I thought he was unlucky Saturday not to get one early on. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s pinned the centre half turned him and he puts it anywhere else and it’s a goal but it’s straight at the keeper.


“When you’ve got someone who is knocking on the average of 20 goals a season then of course you want them to be part of your team and squad.


“We’ll be looking at that but there’s other players that we’re looking at as well to give us goals.”