Walsall are in the hunt to sign former Nottingham Forest defender Ian Breckin.

The 33-year-old is high on manager Chris Hutchings’ hit-list after his release from the City Ground in May.

The Express & Star understands Breckin has held talks with Hutchings and is due to speak to the Saddlers boss again next week.

He played at Wigan for three years while Hutchings was the Lactis’ assistant manager, helping them reach the Premier League in 2005.

No offer has been made, but the centre-back is keen on rejoining Hutchings and wants to secure his future before the start of pre-season.

The duo have remained close since their successful spell at Wigan, where Breckin made 105 appearances, and, while Breckin is based in his hometown of Rotherham, travelling to Walsall would not be an issue.

But the Saddlers face competition for his signature with the ex-Rotherham and Chesterfield man considering offers from several League One and Two clubs.

Breckin started his career as a trainee at Rotherham and made 154 appearances before moving to Chesterfield in 1997 and then Wigan in 2002.

He won the old Division Two title with the Lactics in 2003 and was a key man as they were promoted to the top flight behind Mick McCarthy’s Sunderland in 2005.

He signed for Forest for £350,000 that summer, winning promotion from League One in 2008, and made over 150 appearances before being released at the end of last season.