Andreas Makris money to be used for new Walsall striker

The Cypriot returned to his homeland last week after the Saddlers agreed a fee in the region of 200,000 euros with Apoel Nicosia.

It meant the 21-year-old left the Banks’s Stadium just a year after joining in a club record deal.

But while admitting it was a tough call to make, Whitney feels Makris’ move was in the best interests of all parties.

“It was a tough decision with Andreas but those are the decisions you have to make as a manager,” Whitney said.

“He is a fantastic lad but I had to tell him I didn’t see him playing many minutes for me.

“He needs to play regularly because it means the world to him to play internationally for Cyprus.

“But that move has freed up some funds for me to go into the market and get a striker.

“They have been put back into the budget and I will use them how I see fit. I am definitely looking for one striker and depending what I have got left budget wise, possibly another as well.”

Meanwhile, Whitney expects out of contract skipper Adam Chambers as well as goalkeeper Liam Roberts to sign the new deals offered to them at the end of last season in the coming days.

But the boss said talks are still ongoing with 22-year-old centre-back Matt Preston – whose contract also expired at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

“I am hoping for something on Adam and Liam in the next couple of days,” Whitney added.

“Adam has been away on holiday but I’m hopeful we can get Adam and Liam over the line very soon.

“Talks with Matt Preston are still ongoing.”

Elsewhere, Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the signing of ex-Saddler Scott Laird on a two-year deal.

The popular defender enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Banks’s Stadium last season and publicly confirmed he was interested in returning to the club.

But Walsall instead decided to look elsewhere with fellow left-back Luke Leahy becoming the club’s first signing of the close season when he joined from Falkirk last week.