Port Vale's close-season recruitment drive has gathered pace with the acquisition of Jason Talbot, Richard Walker and Akpo Sodje.

Former Bolton trainee Talbot, 20, has joined permanently having spent the last three months on loan at Vale Park from Mansfield.

Defender Walker arrives from relegated Crewe, while striker Sodje has signed from Darlington.

Their arrival offsets the departure of Jonny Brain, Steve Rowland, Craig James and Hector Sam.

Boss Martin Foyle said: "It has been a very hard last 10 days, trying to clear out the players we feel aren't good enough for us, but we're quite pleased at the moment and there will be more good news next week."