Tom Bradshaw edges closer to Walsall exit

The Express & Star understands both Barnsley and Birmingham City have made contact with the Saddlers board to enquire about the availability of the Welsh forward.

But, while reports emerged claiming the Tykes had seen a bid rejected, a spokesman for Walsall insisted the club would not comment on speculation.

Bradshaw has been a revelation since being snapped up from Shrewsbury Town for a nominal fee and has scored 20 goals in both of his seasons at the Banks's Stadium.

Preston North End were the first club to make a move for the Welshman this summer but are believed to have been put off by the asking price.

The 23-year-old is believed to be commanding a seven-figure-fee with Walsall now hoping for a bidding war with Glasgow Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Reading also having been linked.

And, while admitting he will do everything in his power to keep him, Saddlers boss Jon Whitney has accepted it will be be hard to keep hold of the prolific front man.

He said: "If Tom moves on he moves on and I will wish him all the best. I will do what I can to keep him, but I will find someone else.

"It might take time to develop, in the same way it took 12 months with Tom in terms of making him stronger. I can do that again.

"I have a good eye for players, Dean Holden and Neil Cutler (coaches) have a good eye for players.

"They understand the young, energetic, with huge potential types of player we are after."

If Bradshaw does move, Shrewsbury will be entitled to some of the fee having negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on when the player moved from Shropshire to the Banks's.