Walsall sign Zak Jules for undisclosed fee

The 22-year-old, who has been capped by Scotland from Under-17 to Under-21 level, played an important role in helping the Silkmen retain their Football League status last year.

Born in Islington, Jules came through Reading’s academy and gained experience on loan at Hemel Hempstead, Braintree and Motherwell, for whom he made 10 Scottish Premiership appearances.

Signing for Shrewsbury in June 2018, he enjoyed further loan spells at Chesterfield, Port Vale and Barnet before moving to Macclesfield in January.

Jules featured 14 times for Town last season, only experiencing defeat on three occasions as Sol Campbell’s men avoided relegation from League Two.

“I am really pleased to be here at Walsall,” Jules said.

“I am buzzing to finally get the move over the line and I am looking forward to getting my head down and getting going now at the club.

“I am a left-sided centre-half and also left-footed. I am quite tall and quite quick so I think I am quite a presence on the pitch.

“I like to play football whenever I can. I like to bring the ball down and play from the back. Obviously, that can’t always be done and sometimes you’ve to go safety first.

“Last season, when I joined Macclesfield, it was all about survival and staying in the division and we managed to do that.

“It was a massive achievement for us, given the circumstances, but it is going to be a completely different task during my time here.

“Having spoken to the manager, we all share the same goal and that is wanting to get back into League One at the first try.”

Manager Darrell Clarke added: “He did very well at the back end of last season and is a young player we want to develop.

“He’s a left-sided centre-half, pacey, quick, mobile. I’m really pleased to bring him in and I think we’ve got the balance now.

“It’s just one more centre forward I need now; that will give me a healthy squad that is flexible within formations and has a good mix of experience and ages.”