Walsall target former loanee Ian McLoughlin

Walsall have targeted Milton Keynes Dons goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin as manager Dean Smith hunts a replacement for Richard O'Donnell.

The 23-year-old - who spent a month on loan with the Saddlers in early 2013 - is among several shot-stoppers the Saddlers chief has identified as a possible new No 1, following O'Donnell's exit to Wigan.

Dublin-born McLoughlin is set to be a free agent when his contract at Stadium MK expires at the end of next month.

Dons boss Karl Robinson has chosen not to extend his deal, following the club's promotion to the Championship.

And Smith said: "I've probably got a dozen names on the list and Ian is one of them.

"What we would like to get is a keeper between 23 and 27 years old so we can develop them, although I'm not ruling out an older one if a really good, experienced keeper jumps out at me."

McLoughlin has spent the past four seasons with MK after joining from Ipswich but has largely played second fiddle to David Martin and made just 41 total appearances.

The Irishman made six starts during his brief stay with the Saddlers, in a season where Smith used no fewer than four loan keepers.

O'Donnell was signed the next summer and made the No.1 shirt his own, making 105 consecutive appearances in two years.

But last week it was confirmed the 26-year-old would not be returning after agreeing to a three year contract with the Latics.

Smith has expressed confidence in finding a "high calibre" replacement and with the close season less than a month old, can afford to be patient as he and goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler attempt to identify the right man to compete with youngster Craig MacGillivray.

Defender Paul Downing thinks the Saddlers are an exciting proposition for any young keeper.

"It would be an opportunity to play for a young keeper and we've got ambitions to try to get promoted," said Downing, the club's vice captain.

"So I think that as well as the chance to work with a good manager and good players, we're an exciting proposition."

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