Grimsby boss Alan Buckley has revealed Port Vale have joined the Mariners in the race to sign Barnsley midfielder Simon Heslop.

Buckley is monitoring the 21-year-old's availability after the youngster linked up with Rochdale for pre-season training.

Heslop has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Tykes and spent the majority of last season out on loan at Halifax.

Buckley told the Grimsby Telegraph: "I have spoken to Simon (Davey, Barnsley boss) about him. He's gone away with Rochdale but I've told Barnsley to keep me in the loop about his future.

"Simon told me that Port Vale are also interested so we'll wait and see what happens when he's back."