Walsall dismiss Tom Bradshaw claims

Boss Sean O'Driscoll has dismissed claims Walsall have rejected a bid for star striker Tom Bradshaw.

Reports emerged yesterday that the Saddlers turned down an offer from an unnamed Championship side, widely rumoured to be Birmingham City.

It was also reported the Walsall hierarchy were bracing themselves for a second, improved bid.

But speaking to the Express & Star, O'Driscoll was adamant no offer for the 23-year-old forward had been received.

"There is no truth a bid has been made," O'Driscoll said. "The club informs me of all offers and nobody has rung to say anything. And if there ever is a bid for one of our players, I will make sure the player is the first person that is told."

O'Driscoll believes the January transfer window often gets over-hyped for teams playing outside the Premier League.

"When you are in the lower divisions of the Football League – the transfer window isn't as important because you have the emergency loan window that opens shortly after," the head coach said.

"Teams are wary of losing players, but it's not crucial you bring someone in.

"We have numerous players out of contract at the end of the season so there is a lot going on behind the scenes. But if you could guarantee all the players would be fit until the end of the season, then there isn't a lot I'd want to change."

O'Driscoll will lead the Saddlers out today in the FA Cup third round where they will face a Brentford side under the guidance of ex-boss Dean Smith.

And Walsall's new head coach confirmed they prepared for the game by training at the base of Championship outfit Fulham.

"Our training ground has been affected by the weather and Fulham's training ground is near where we stayed so it was a great opportunity for us," he added.

"They have got an indoor dome and great facilities so it was handy."