Biddulph's former Manchester United striker James Wilson has signed for local club Port Vale after being released by Salford City.

Biddulph-born Wilson, aged 25, will join Vale on July 1 on a two year contract.

Wilson was first scouted for Manchester United aged just seven. He came through the club's youth academy and was seen as an exciting prospect.

His first team debut with the Red Devils came in 2014, when he started a Premier League match at home to Hull City on 6 May, and marked the occasion with two goals in a 3–1 win, a half-volley at the near post and a rebounded goal from a Marouane Fellaini shot, before being replaced by Robin van Persie in the 64th minute.

However, he was unable to find a regular place in the first team and he then made a series of loan moves to various clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County, Sheffield United and Aberdeen.

He was released from Manchester United in 2019, and joined Aberdeen on a permanent transfer, making 11 appearances in his seven month spell there.

In January 2020, he signed for Salford City, and scored 10 goals in 35 appearances for the club. He made his debut in a 3–2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, scoring two goals after coming on as a substitute, which he described as "bittersweet".

Port Vale manage Darrell Clarke told the club following the announcement: "I'm absolutely delighted that we have managed to bring in James. His pedigree is fantastic and I'm sure he will prove a great attacking threat for us next season.

"He scored seven league goals last season for Salford and played in a wide position in quite a few of those games. He certainly has the potential to score more goals when leading the line."