EXCLUSIVE: Falkirk reject Vaulks bid

Will Vaulks (right) watched the 1-0 Betfred Cup defeat alongside fellow injured Bairn Peter Grant. Pic by Alan Murray

The midfielder has been frequently tipped to join Rotherham United this week, as well linked to Aberdeen and Doncaster Rovers, but was out injured just a week after firing a double in the pre-season friendly win over Albion Rovers.

But The Falkirk Herald understands a bid for the Englishman HAS been received by Falkirk.

However it is also understood the bid fell far short of the Bairns’ valuation of the midfielder and was rejected and DID NOT come from the Yorkshire club now managed by Alan Stubbs.

Stubbs made moves for Vaulks in his previous role as Hibs manager but again, the Bairns’ valuation was not met.

When asked why Vaulks was missing from the entire matchday squad at Forthbank, Falkirk manager Peter Houston said: “Will had a groin strain [on Friday] and we have a game on Tuesday and another on Saturday, I’d rather hold him for that, but we missed his presence today.”

If Vaulks was to move on John Rankin, who The Falkirk Herald revealed has been training with the Bairns to maintain fitness over the pre-season period, could be a ready-made replacement option.

Vaulks was reportedly interesting Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in January and went to Blackburn Rovers on trial in season 2013-14. He joined the Bairns under Steven Pressley and offered to play for free to prove himself, eventually earning a contract and going on to captain the club.