Walsall keen on Tyler Roberts

The 18-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Shrewsbury last season where he netted four goals in 11 games.

Whitney, whose side kick off their League One campaign at Bury today, is eager to bring in a striker before the transfer window closes on August 31.

And after watching Albion take on Port Vale in a friendly on Tuesday, he confirmed Roberts is a player he likes.

“Roberts is a player I have enquired about,” Whitney said.

“But I have enquired about several others as well because that is what you have to do – you don’t always get your targets.

“There are 25 forwards on my list. And we’d like to bring one in before the window closes.

“But with Roberts, you have to understand Albion have injuries.

“Roberts played against Port Vale the other night as did Jonathan Leko.

“When you look at who they have got with Salomon Rondon, Jay Rodriguez and Hal Robson-Kanu, they have not got an abundance of strikers.

“It’s not just a case of who do we want – let’s go and get them.

“Clubs have to look after themselves, they have to fulfil fixtures before they start letting players go out.”

With clubs in the Premier League now close to finalising their squads, Whitney said more players are becoming available.

“What important for us is that we bring the right player in,” the boss continued.

“We don’t need to panic buy. There is still time. And things start to free up now.

“The Premier League clubs start to understand what their squads are going to be so players start becoming available.

“It’s a process that happens every year and right now you can feel the momentum.

“I sat on my phone most of Wednesday speaking to various agents. They are approaching us with players who are suddenly becoming available.

“The decision we have to make as a club is are they right for us.”