Port Vale are following Chris Killen and after checking his fitness and availability, they may return with an approach for a deal this week. Killen has been disappointing to say the least and has only scored one goal in nine first team games since returning from injury. The striker is fully fit but is unable to make the squad and seems destined to remain out in the cold. Vale took Killen on loan from Manchester City three years ago and he scored six goals in nine games for them and Vale were interested but were priced out when the Latics paid £250,000 to bring him to Boundary Park. Killen is under contract until 2006 and is one of Athletic’s top earners.