Vale duo in high demand

Port Vale duo Billy Paynter and Sam Collins are the subject of intense Championship interest.

Plymouth have already confirmed their interest in the duo but The Pilgrims' bid for striker Paynter, 21, was rejected earlier this month.

A host of scouts were in attendance to watch the pair in action against Bournemouth on Saturday, with Crewe previously rumoured to be among the clubs running the rule over the duo.

The League One side's chairman, Bill Bratt, confirmed that another party have made their interest in Paynter known but is adamant that it is not Alex.

"There is another club that have expressed an interest but it is certainly not Crewe," said Bratt.

"I have been asked if it is Crystal Palace and it is not them either and it is all just paper talk.

"We did have six scouts come and watch and that is where these rumours come from."

Crewe will not be following up their interest in Paynter's team-mate Collins either with manager Dario Gradi unsure if the defender is capable of making the grade at Championship level.

"There's no point bringing people in for the sake of it," said Gradi.

"We feel this league is quite different to the league below.

"We have got players who can cope in the league below but have not proved they can in this league.

"We've got to find somebody already here or who can make the step up."

Plymouth have lodged a bid for the Vale captain and Crewe's withdrawal would appear to leave the way open for the Devon club.