Cambridge United complete signing of Port Vale striker Ryan Loft on three-year contract

Cambridge United have completed the signing of Ryan Loft from Port Vale for an undisclosed fee.

The striker, who has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at the Cledara Abbey Stadium with the option of a further 12 months, scored two goals from 38 appearances in all competitions last season.

Prior to joining Vale from Bristol Rovers last summer, the 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City.

Loft went on to sign for Scunthorpe United in August 2020 before linking up 18 months later with Rovers, whom he helped to gain promotion to Sky Bet League One.

U’s head coach Garry Monk said of his latest addition: “Ryan is a very talented player who has all the right attributes to be a successful striker in this league.

“He also has a fantastic attitude, and we believe that we can help get the best out of his talents and that he can enjoy a really successful time with us.

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring him into the Club and I look forward to working closely with him over the next season and beyond.”

Loft added: “I am over the moon. I had some great chats with the manager where he outlined his plans for myself and for the team, which made it an easy decision to join in the end.

“The club has shown a lot of faith in me and I am motivated to pay them back with good performances on the pitch.”

Loft is United’s fifth addition of the summer after the arrivals of Kell Watts, Shayne Lavery, Vicente Reyes and James Gibbons.