Walsall have swooped to re-sign Clayton McDonald from Manchester City as their winter recruitment drive starts.

The centre back has signed an 18-month deal at the Banks’s Stadium following his release from the Premier League billionaires.

McDonald had spent three months on loan with the Saddlers, whose home game with Norwich was called off yesterday, and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of Charlton.

Manager Chris Hutchings said: “We are delighted to have secured Clayton’s services on a permanent basis.

“He settled into the club extremely well during his loan spell and is an emerging player of undoubted talent and ability.

“He has been given an excellent grounding in the game at Manchester City and we will reap the benefits as he continues his development here at Walsall. This is a good signing for the club.”

The 21-year-old returned to Eastlands earlier this month when his loan deal expired after making eight appearances for the Saddlers.

A groin injury sustained at MK Dons in October sidelined him and the form of Mark Hughes and Manny Smith meant he did not play for the last two months of his deal.

McDonald, son of former Saddlers star Rod, captained the City reserve team and also had spells on loan at Macclesfield and Chesterfield.

Meanwhile, the home game with Norwich has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 12 (7:45pm) and the club are in discussions with Bristol Rovers to find a new date after their Boxing Day clash at the Memorial Ground was frozen off.