Walsall transfer targets: Five defenders that Walsall should look to sign
With transfers already on the lips of most fans, we take a look at five defenders which could make their way to the Banks's Stadium.
Adam Chicksen
A left-back, Chicksen is available on a free transfer having left Charlton.
The 25-year-old first rose to prominence at MK Dons with his impressive performances in League One leading him to Brighton paying compensation to snap him up on a three-year deal in 2013. After picking up an ankle injury shortly after moving to the south coast, the defender struggled to force his way into the Seagulls’ first-team.
Loan spells at Gillingham and Fleetwood followed before Charlton signed him on a free transfer last summer. But despite scoring twice in 25 appearances for the Addicks, he was released at the end of the campaign.
Luke Leahy
The talented left-back established himself as firm fans’ favourite at Falkirk after being snapped up following a spell at the Gordon Strachan Football Foundation.
Now a free agent having opted to leave the the Bairns, Leahy’s name has been heavily lined with the Saddlers on social media over the past few weeks – with boss Jon Whitney known to have been scouting in Scotland.
Attack minded and with an eye for a spectacular goal, the 24-year-old has scored 11 times in 127 games north of the border.
Walsall face competition if they do want to land the Coventry-born star though with recently promoted Doncaster Rovers also believed to be keen.
Remie Streete
Walsall could make the most of a contract loophole to sign the promising, young centre-back.
Streete’s deal at Port Vale expired at the end of last season, but the Valiants were unable to offer a new contract that matched his former terms.
That means compensation rules no longer apply with the 22-year-old available on a free transfer.
The son of former Wolves defender Floyd Streete, the youngster began his career at Newcastle and also spent time on loan at Scottish giants Rangers.
But it was at Vale Park where he began to realise his potential with the defender earning rave reviews last season – and scoring six goals – despite his side’s relegation to League Two.
Richard Brindley
Out of contract at Colchester, the right wing-back looks set to leave the U’s this summer after an impressive campaign in Essex. Brindley was part of the side which finished just one point outside the League Two play-offs and is yet to sign a new deal.
But Walsall are likely to face competition from a host of clubs if they want to land the 23-year-old. Back in April, the defender was linked with a big money move to Egypt – with Zamalek reportedly keen.
Brindley also has the same agent as Ivory Coast striker Souleymane Coulibaly, who has impressed in the Egyptian Premier League since signing from Kilmarnock.
Aaron Pierre
Another free agent, any move for Pierre would be controversial after he was once accused of headbutting a fan outside a supermarket.
On the field though there is no doubting the defender’s talent with the 24-year-old shining for Wycombe last season.
Hailed as the best defender in League Two by boss Gareth Ainsworth, Wanderers have offered him a deal to stay at Adams Park.
But Ainsworth accepts he is too good to be plying his trade in English football’s fourth tier.
“When Aaron puts a shirt on he gives his absolute best,” he said.
“If he goes on to have a fantastic career in League One, the Championship or the Premier League, we have to be proud of him.”
