Oldham Athletic could be eying up a move for experience ball-winning midfielder Luke Joyce, D3D4 Football understands.

The Latics struggled defensively last season shipping a League Two high 81 goals. Their lack of strength and experience in the middle of the park played a huge part in that fact, something Keith Curle is looking to correct for the 2021/22 campaign.

Luke Joyce, who was released by Port Vale last month, is one of the best defensive midfielders in the fourth-tier and his stats from 2020/21 prove it.

His ability to win possession high up the pitch and retain it was clear as he won the ball 80 times in the opponents half last season for Darrell Clarke’s side, second only to Jay Spearing in League Two. He also completed a team-high 1,479 passes for the Valiants, often starting many of Vale’s attacking moves from deep, creating 12 chances and notching four assists.

Oldham were often very exposed last season despite scoring plenty of goals at the other end. The Latics netted 72 times, only Cambridge United scored more, but were undermined by a lack of bite in midfield.

Joyce managed to win 492 second-balls during the 2020/21 campaign, the fourth-most of any player in League Two and could be the perfect addition for Oldham as they look to rebuild under Curle’s guidance.

D3D4 Football understands that the Latics boss has had a conversation with the 33-year-old about linking up at Boundary Park after they worked well together at Carlisle United, but nothing concrete has yet been agreed.

Joyce will likely attract a number of clubs due to his unique ability, but Oldham would do well to snap up a player who can fulfil a vital role in the centre of the park and offer some much-needed guidance to the club’s young core.