Five goalkeepers for Walsall to target this summer
With Walsall on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, we highlight five options which could be available for Jon Whitney.
Jon McLaughlin
An ever present over the past three years, McLaughlin has been instrumental in Burton’s rise from League Two to the Championship.
But the 29-year-old was somewhat surprisingly released by the Brewers at the end of the season.
Local to the area, McLaughlin is believed to have previously interested the Saddlers.
His experience may also prove attractive.
Kelle Roos
Born in Holland, Roos spent time on the books of PSV before moving to England.
After a brief spell at Nuneaton he was snapped up by Derby for £30,000.
Now 24 years old, the shot-stopper played a key role in AFC Wimbledon winning promotion to League One in 2006.
But an unsuccessful loan at Bristol Rovers followed last year and he may see the chance to work with Neil Cutler too good to turn down.
Jon Flatt
Another local glovesman, Flatt is yet to make a first-team appearance for Wolves despite being highly rated at Molineux.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed successful loan spells at Barrow, Wrexham and Cheltenham in the past.
But he found himself behind Carl Ikeme, Andy Lonergan and Harry Burgoyne last season and may feel the time is right to leave and pursue first-team football elsewhere.
Billy O’Brien
The Man City keeper is out of contract and has been informed his future lies elsewhere.
A string of outstanding performances saw the 21-year-old become a fans’ favourite after a successful loan at St Mirren last year.
O’Brien has hinted he could be tempted to stay with the Scottish outfit but playing in England is likely to boost his chances of making it into the senior Wales squad.
Jamal Blackman
The Chelsea glovesman turns 24 in October and needs to leave Stamford Bridge to obtain first-team football.
A former England youth international, Blackman had a successful loan spell at Wycombe last season with the Chairboys keen to retain his services next year.
“Jamal has been first class for us and he has real quality which is well above League Two level,” said Wycombe’s Gareth Ainsworth.
