January transfer window: Four potential defensive targets for Walsall
With less than a week to go until the January transfer window closes, Walsall currently just have two senior centre-backs on their books in Kory Roberts and Jon Guthrie. Here Joseph Masi looks at four players who Jon Whitney could potentially sign to help tighten up his defence.
Andy Boyle
According to reports in Ireland, 26-year-old Boyle is closing in on a loan move to Walsall from Preston.
Snapped up from Dundalk in December 2016, the centre-back won the League of Ireland Premier Division three years in a row before his move to England.
But Boyle has featured just five times for Preston this season – with only three of them coming in the Championship.
Earlier this month it was reported League One title favourites Wigan were close to landing the Republic of Ireland international.
But the Irish press now claim it's Walsall who are leading the chase with Rotherham also keen.
Easah Suliman
The England under-19 European Championship winner is highly thought of at Villa Park and is keen to go out on loan to gain first team experience.
Suliman made his debut in claret and blue this season in the League Cup. Steve Bruce was also contemplating using him in the Championship when both John Terry and Chris Samba were out injured.
But with the pair back in contention and James Chester having played every minute in league, Suliman knows he needs to move to play first-team football.
The centre-back, who is the first Muslim to captain England at any age, will also appeal to Jon Whitney as he has previously enjoyed a loan spell at Cheltenham.
The Saddlers boss is reluctant to sign players on loan, if they haven't been out on a temporary basis before.
Lloyd Jones
The 22-year-old centre-back was once tipped for great things at Liverpool.
Snapped up from Plymouth in 2011, Jones continued his development at Anfield and was spoken about in glowing terms by a number of Reds coaches.
But after loan spells at Cheltenham, Accrington Stanley, Blackpool and Swindon Town he is yet to make a first-team appearance.
Injuries have played their part. A high profile brawl in a night club which saw Jones end up in court also didn't help his cause.
There is no doubt though Jones still has huge potential – with the youngster needing a move to help revive his career.
Walsall, with their ability to develop young players and give them time, could be the ideal next step for a player who represented England at under-19 and under-20 level.
Stefan O'Connor
Snapped up by Newcastle following his release from Arsenal, O'Connor is another promising defender in need of first-team football.
The 21-year-old enjoyed loan spells with York City and Eerste Divisie club MVV Maastricht in his time with Gunners.
He also made his debut for Arsene Wenger's side against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
But he is yet to feature for Newcastle's first-team since joining a year ago and is understood be available for loan.
Capable of playing at centre-back and at right-back, O'Connor is also an England youth international.
And the youngster believes he can be a calming influence at the back.
After signing for MVV Maastrict, O’Connor said: "I’m very calm. People think I’m a bit too laid back at times but I like to stay calm and play under pressure - I don’t panic.”
