Moore considering loan market for goalkeeper cover

Marko Marosi joined Port Vale this summer from Cambridge United

Port Vale boss Darren Moore said he is open to signing another goalkeeper - probably on loan - ahead of the new League One season to cover for the injured Ben Amos.

Amos, who was a regular in the second half of last season's successful promotion campaign in League Two, is likely to be out for several more weeks with a muscle injury.

The problem has prevented the 35-year-old from featuring in Vale's pre-season programme, leaving Moore assessing his options over potential back-up for summer signing Marko Marosi.

"The goalkeeper situation is one we're looking at," Moore told BBC Radio Stoke.

Loan players are the 'icing on the cake'

Vale have brought in seven new signings so far this summer ahead of their return to League One.

Ex-Cambridge keeper Marosi, wing-back Jordan Gabriel, attacking midfielder Rico Richards, left-back Liam Gordon, midfielder Jordan Shipley, defender Cameron Humphreys and striker Ben Waine have all signed permanent contracts, leaving Moore more likely to utilise the loan market for any more potential recruits.

"The loan window is a possibility, but it was imperative that we got a squad in first so loans would add, or top up, the team," Moore said.

"We know the difficulties with getting loan players - they can be a wonderful help and transform your season.

"But, at the same time, they can be a huge hinderance - they do get called back [to their parent club] and leave a gaping hole.

"We have tried to get a squad, and if loan players come in, they are the icing on the cake. So if they do get called back it doesn't disrupt the flow of the team.

"The squad's here so maybe that's an area we'll look at."

Ben Amos kept nine clean sheets in 23 League Two games for Port Vale last season as they won promotion to League One