Wilshere thrilled to add Port Vale top scorer to boost Luton's forward ranks

Luton boss Jack Wilshere was elated to add the goalscoring power of striker Devante Cole to his forward ranks after signing the attacker on a permanent deal from Port Vale this afternoon.

The 30-year-old has been in good form for Vale this season, with eight goals in 23 outings, netting against the Hatters during the club’s 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road earlier in the campaign. Son of former Newcastle United, Manchester United and England forward Andrew Cole, the forward began his career with Manchester City in July 2014, having spells at a number of clubs including Barnsley, Bradford City, Wigan Athletic and Motherwell, before really making his name at Barnsley, on target an impressive 36 times in 129 matches, including 15 during the 2022-23 campaign and 18 in the 2023-24 season.

He then joined Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion in July 2024, heading to the Valiants this summer, but is now expected to add to Wilshere’s options upfront, as speaking to the club’s official website, the Town manager said: “Devante is an exciting signing for us, a proven goalscorer at this level. He had a great upbringing at Manchester City and has since forged a top career in and around League One, the Championship and Scottish Premiership.

"If you look at his recent goalscoring record, he’s been one of the main reasons why Barnsley reached the play-offs twice in a row, and this season he’s found the net regularly in a side battling at the bottom. That’s something we found to our cost a few weeks ago so we’re delighted to bring him in on our side. He’s vastly experienced and will bring competition to the forward areas, where we’ve got players returning to fitness. He has been playing regularly for Port Vale, so he’s ready to go and we’re looking forward to seeing how he can help us.”