Darryl Westlake targeted by Lincoln

Walsall starlet Darryl Westlake is a target for League Two club Lincoln - but the Saddlers will not let him leave.

New Imps boss Steve Tilson wants to bolster his squad after taking over from Chris Sutton earlier this month and is keen on the defender.

Westlake impressed Tilson in the Saddlers' 4-1 reserve win at Lincoln last week, but boss Chris Hutchings is reluctant to let the 19-year-old go out on loan.

The manager needs him to help in Walsall's League One relegation battle - which takes them to Huddersfield on Saturday.

Sources close to the player confirmed the League Two club's interest, but Walsall insist no official loan bid has been made.

Westlake is highly thought of at the Banks's Stadium and their desire to keep him highlights his value to the team.

The teenager has only made four appearances so far this season as he deputises for Aaron Lescott - who has captained the side in the absence of Darren Byfield.

His last appearance came in September's 2-1 defeat to Swindon, one of only two league outings.

But Westlake won the Young Player of the Year award last season after an impressive debut campaign where he made 24 appearances.

The right-back was handed a two-year deal in the summer but has been unable to make the breakthrough despite the Saddlers' poor form.

They have kept just one clean sheet this season and lie joint bottom of the table after just one win in their last 11 games.

But Westlake could start at Huddersfield on Saturday, after Lescott came under-fire following last weekend's 4-1 defeat to Tranmere.

The former Bristol Rovers man is under pressure following a string of below-par performances since his summer move.

Westlake was brought in to add experience to the backline after Jamie Vincent quit for Aldershot, but has struggled to make an impact.

Hutchings has threatened to axe some of his under-performers and dropped Julian Gray last week after a series of tepid displays.