Port Vale sign defenders Will Forrester from Stoke and Thierry Small on loan from Southampton

Thierry Small's only first-team start for Southampton came in last season's FA Cup firth round win over Coventry in February

Promoted Port Vale have brought in two more new defenders, Will Forrester from Stoke City on an undisclosed-length deal and teenager Thierry Small on a season-long loan from Southampton.

Small, 17, joined Saints on a three-year deal from Everton a year ago.

He made his debut aged 16 years and 176 days, as a late substitute in an FA Cup tie in January 2021 to become the youngest player in Everton's history.

Forrester, 21, made his Stoke first-team debut in May 2021.

Will Forrester made four first-team appearances for Stoke City

He went out on loan to Mansfield last season but he was restricted to seven appearances due to an ankle injury and returned to Stoke, making three first-team starts for the Potters at the end of the season.

"Will is a real top player," said Vale boss Darrell Clarke. "He arrives at the club having already played Championship football at such a young age. He's been at Stoke a very long time and he's ready for a new challenge."

Versatile Solihull-born full-back Small, who can also play both as a winger or centre-back, is still to make his first start in league football.

"Thierry is someone who plays with adventure," said Vale director of football Dave Flitcroft. "He's a player who has a real no fear approach to attacking the last third."

Vale's latest two moves, in the week before the new EFL season starts, followed the arrival of defender Derek Agyakwa after a successful trial period following his release by Watford.

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