Walsall FC boss confirms interest in Paul Black

Walsall boss Dean Smith today confirmed his interest in Paul Black – and refused to rule out a move for James Chambers.

The Saddlers chief has spoken to left-back Black – a free agent after being released by Oldham – as he looks to rebuild his squad.

Chambers, twin brother of Walsall midfielder Adam, is also available after leaving Doncaster but Smith has not made contact with the former Albion trainee about a deal.

The Saddlers return for pre-season training tomorrow and Smith will speak to Black again before making a decision.

He said: "I've spoken to Paul and I will be going back to him pretty soon with an offer or not. He's one I think we can further develop, he's young and he's got a bright future ahead of him. He's one we've spoken to but one of a few in the left back position.

"We've got a lot of players who we're in talks with at the moment."

The 22-year-old was released by the Latics after 70 appearances in five years and played 20 games last season, including Oldham's 2-1 win over Walsall in February.

Chambers, 31, left Doncaster last month and played under Saddlers No.2 Richard O'Kelly at Rovers and on loan at Hereford last season.

He can play at right-back, centre-back and in midfield and made 78 appearances for Albion between 1999 and 2004.

Smith, who also dismissed interest in striker James Hayter who joined Yeovil this week, said: "James (Chambers) had injury problems last season but is a fantastic footballer and I'd certainly have an interest in James if he was interested in Walsall as well. But there are more pressing priorities at the minute."

The manager will invite trialists in for pre-season training next week and has also left the door open for Richard Taundry and Manny Smith.

The duo rejected new deals last month but boss Smith was due to hold talks with Taundry yesterday and is still speaking to defender Smith.

He added: "They are two who could remain Walsall players. It's nothing to do with the terms, it's about whether they want to play for the club. I'm in a position where I offer people what I feel is realistic figures for this club."