Walsall swoop for former Fulham striker Elijah Adebayo

The imposing 21-year-old follows midfielder James Hardy through the door at the Banks’s as boss Darrell Clarke’s preparations for the League Two season pick up pace.

Adebayo, who stands 6ft 4ins tall, has made more than 30 appearances at that level during loan spells with Cheltenham, Swindon and Stevenage.

Clarke said: “Elijah has got the attributes to be a top-class player and will certainly give us some strength up top.

“He’s quick, technically good, can win headers and run in behind. He’s got all the tools.

“He was at Fulham a long time and has had quite a few loan moves. The fact he’s now our player means he can settle and it’s up to ourselves now to kick him on.

“We want to improve him as a player and as a person, and hopefully he’ll be a good asset for us.”

Adebayo scored five goals in 25 appearances for Swindon during the first half of last season.

He spent the second part of the campaign at Stevenage but was limited to just two substitute outings, after being sent-off on his debut.

“I am very excited to get going with the club,” said Adebayo.

“It’s always a bit different when you are on loan but I can now call this place my home and try to do as much as I can for Walsall.

“The manager has told me to be myself, play with a lot of confidence and belief, and to just try and get as many goals as possible.

“I am a young striker but I want to really kick on now and show people what I am about and what I have already got.”

Adebayo will officially join the Saddlers on July 1 when his contract at Fulham expires.