Bristol Rovers loan star wanted for transfer by Steven Gerrard after Chelsea snub

According to a Twitter post by BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Al-Ettifaq are in advanced talks to sign Vale. An agreement between the two clubs is not a problem but now Steven Gerrard and his transfer team have the task of convincing Vale to move to Saudi Arabia.

The 20-year-old has just come off a season-long loan spell at the Memorial Stadium. Vale was signed by Joey Barton who viewed him as a long-term target, but he ended up making most of his appearances under Matt Taylor.

In total, the nine-time England under-20 international made 47 appearances for the Gas, registering six assists and three goals. He was played in various different positions including on the left-hand side of defence and central midfield.

Vale is under contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2025, and has made five appearances for the Blues first-team. All of his appearances came when Thomas Tuchel was in charge.

According to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, he only works with 21 players, and so between 15 and 20 others are training away from the first-team. Vale doesn't seem to feature in the Italian bosses' plans, and now he is faced with a decision on whether to leave English football behind and play under Gerrard, who is regarded as a Liverpool legend.

Al-Ettifaq are currently sixth in the Saudi Pro League but that is after only one game played. They defeated Al-Shabab 1-0 last Saturday with former Celtic striker Moussa Dembélé on target. Ettifaq also have former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on their books. Demarai Gray who has since switched his allegiance to Jamaica, as well as Scotland international Jack Hendry are two British-born players on the books of the Saudi outfit.