Port Vale have announced that defender Will Forrester has joined League One rivals Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

Forrester was an eyebrow raising signing last summer when he turned down a new contract offer from Stoke City and opted instead to join the Valiants. It was the first sale between the clubs in decades.

The defender had only managed seven first-team games before joining the Valiants so he was in and out of the team in his first full season. There was the occasional high-profile error but also signs that the right-sided centre-half could develop into a quality defender.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed but was described as “substantial” and with “add-ons” by Director of Football David Flitcroft.

Forrester told the Bolton Wanderers website: “I really enjoyed my time at Port Vale and I feel like a developed a hell of lot there. I owe all of the staff and the players there a lot for taking a chance on me from when I came from Stoke. The reason I went to Port Vale was to play football and now this move has come to light and hopefully I can go on and play even more in time.”

Flitcroft told the official Port Vale website: “A big part of the vision here at Port Vale has been to recruit hungry, committed and coachable players that will develop in the environment at the club

“We have already seen this model in action in previous windows where we have achieved fees for players and we believe it is still the right model for the club to keep us in a healthy position and keep the club progressing on and off the pitch.

“Last season’s performances and Will’s accelerated development has meant a substantial deal being agreed with Bolton that also contains a number of achievable add-ons that can be realised.”

Flitcroft added: “We’d like to thank Bolton Wanderers, in particular Chris Markham, for their professionalism and efficiency in getting the deal done early which allows us to reinvest and continue our plan and preparations for the 2023/24 season.

“Finally, we’d like to thank Will for his contributions to the club last season, his attitude and his determination in helping us achieve our main objective of securing our league one status.

“We wish him nothing but success and he and his family will always be welcome back at Vale Park.”