The Football League have imposed a transfer embargo on League Two side Port Vale this afternoon.
The Staffordshire club announced the restriction on their website but no details were disclosed as to why the embargo was imposed.
"[The embargo] has meant that the club have been unable to complete the signing of Chris Birchall at this time," read the statement.
"The club is unable to go into further details at the moment but is hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon."
Micky Adams's men are currently one place outside the League Two playoffs, in eighth.