FORMER Southend United defender Kacper Lopata has joined Port Vale on loan from Barnsley for the rest of the season.

Lopata left Blues in March 2022 after terminating his contract before seeing the out of remainder of last season on loan at Woking.

The centre-back joined Barnsley in the summer and made 15 appearances for the Tykes before sealing his temporary switch to Vale today,

Vale boss Andy Crosby told the club's website: “Kacper is a commanding unit of a defender who comes in to immediately bolster our options within that department.

"He has a determination to come in and really make the most of the opportunity that he has been presented with here at Port Vale.

"He already has a number of appearances at this level under his belt and has an understanding of the physical demands of League One football.

"We all look forward to working closely with Kacper to further continue his development both on and off the pitch between now and the end of the season."

Vale are currently 20th in League One, three points above the relegation zone.