Port Vale's highly-rated central defender Nathan Smith is interesting Stoke City.

The Sunday Mirror says Stoke are one of four Premier League clubs weighing up a £1.5m bid for the 20 year old who has earned terrific reviews since he made his Football League debut on the opening day of the campaign.

Smith, from Madeley, is rated as the best defender to come through the Valiants' youth system since Anthony Gardner was sold to Tottenham for close to £1m in 2000.

Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has revealed there has been some Premier League interest in the defender, but hasn't specified the clubs or the possible fee.