Walsall may again turn to loans for goalkeeper

Finding a new No 1 is one of the manager's main priorities this summer, as the Saddlers have been without a permanent senior keeper on the books since the release of David Grof in March.

Last season, Smith used no fewer than four loan players to plug the gap during the second half of the season, following his decision to drop Hungary shot-stopper Grof for poor form.

Smith is keen to end the revolving door policy and revealed he has already spoken to several keepers about a possible move to the Banks's.

But, while finding a permanent solution is his preferred option, Smith admitted he would not totally disregard another loan, as long as the terms were right.

Smith said: "Ideally I would like a permanent keeper coming in. But if that was not possible and it was a loan it would have to be a season-long deal with no recall clause, to give us some stability in that position.

"But, ultimately, we would probably be better off getting our own permanent goalkeeper."

After Grof was dropped, he was replaced by Karl Darlow, who was twice recalled by parent club Nottingham Forest.

The Saddlers were also left short by recalls for Wolves' Aaron McCarey and Milton Keynes Dons' Ian McLoughlin, finishing the season with Manchester United youngster Sam Johnstone between the sticks.

The club have high hopes for youth-team goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was offered a professional deal at the end of the season but he is yet to make a senior appearance.

Last month Smith claimed to have a list of "around a dozen names" to fill the position and is hoping to speak to more potential signings in the coming days.

He also hinted some of his targets may currently be at Premier League clubs, saying: "I have spoken to a couple of people already.

"But the fact is the Premier League season only finished yesterday and there are others I want to speak to as well.

"We have been pretty busy over the last few days and, as things stand, I'm pretty happy with where we are at this moment in time."