Skipper Mark Hughes today admitted he’d be stunned if Walsall don’t make securing Manny Smith’s future a top priority.

The Saddlers defender has been linked with Nottingham Forest and Albion after an impressive first half to the season and his deal runs out at the end of the campaign.

And, with the transfer window opening tomorrow, Hughes expects the Saddlers to tie down Smith and warn off any potential suitors. He said: “I’d be surprised if they’re not offering him something behind the scenes, very surprised.

“He’s a good player and had an excellent first half to the season and long may it continue.

“As a team you are looking to keep your best players and he is one of them.

“He’s been a breath of fresh air, he’s a local lad getting his head down and getting on with it.”

But Hughes admits he fears losing 22-year-old Smith to a bigger club and says they would have to find a replacement, despite the Saddlers signing Clayton McDonald on a permanent basis this week.

“If he keeps playing well for Walsall you never know,” said the 23-year-old.

“He’s had a good half of the season and I hope he doesn’t go because he’s one of our best players and you always want your best players to stay.”

“If he gets an opportunity it’s down to the people involved, I can’t make decisions for others.

“You can’t expect him not want to benefit his career.

“If he does go it’s up to us to get someone in and replace him. Certainly, as a player, you want the club to keep hold of their assets but we’ll just have to wait and see.”