Walsall sign striker Jonathan Macken

Walsall have snapped up striker Jonathan Macken on a free transfer.

The striker has penned a one-year deal with a further year's option after a successful trial spell.

Macken has been handed the number 10 shirt vacated by Troy Deeney after his switch to Watford two weeks ago.

The 32-year-old joins fellow new-boy Reuben Reid at the Saddlers, after the Albion forward signed a five month loan deal at the Banks's Stadium earlier today.

Rotherham and Bradford were also interested in signing the former Manchester United trainee, but Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has now got his man.

He said: "Jon is a goalscorer. He has scored goals wherever he has been and has played at the highest level.

"He has spent all of his career either at Premier League or Championship level and I expect him to be a real force in League One.

"This is an excellent signing for the club."

Macken, who has one Republic of Ireland cap and 113 career goals, had expressed an interest in winning a deal with the Saddlers this week.

And the ex-Crystal Palace hitman, who cost Manchester City £5m in a 2002 move from Preston, told the Express & Star on Wednesday he can still cut it after his release from Championship outfit Barnsley in the summer.

He said: "I think I did well for Barnsley last season and helped them stay up.

"I put in some good performances, I still believe I've got a lot to offer and hopefully I've shown that."