Regan Poole latest defender to be linked with Walsall

Despite the new season starting in just three days time, the Saddlers squad is severely short of numbers.

A defender is the primary concern for boss Dean Keates with Jon Guthrie the only senior centre-back currently available.

The Express & Star understands club officials are working around the clock to make signings ahead of the visit of Plymouth on Saturday.

But after missing out a number of targets, reports have emerged that Poole is now a player under consideration.

The Wales under-21 international played 24 games during a loan stint at Northampton last season.

And speaking earlier this week he revealed he expects to go out on loan for the 2018/19 campaign.

“The aim is to go out on loan – I’m just not too sure where really at the moment,” Poole said.

“I’ll just sit back, play my football here and see if anything comes up.

“I’ve had a few enquiries and offers at the moment but let’s see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Guthrie says Walsall have to do everything they can to start the season well despite their lack of numbers.

And he believes if they do, there is every chance they can be competitive in the top-half of League One.

“We know the start is important to the season,” the former Crewe man said.

“We know we have to come out on the front foot and begin the campaign well.

“And then you never know where it is going to take you.

“We want to be looking into that top half. We don’t want to be looking over our shoulders like we were last year.

“And if we can get into the top half of the table you never know – if you can get a bit of momentum, anything can happen.

“It’s an even league and I think most teams will fancy themselves to get into the top 10.

“All it takes is a good run as we saw with the likes of Plymouth last year.

“Once you get your momentum and the spirit is high, teams can be hard to stop.”