Express & Star

Four wingers who Walsall could target

Boss Darrell Clarke is working around the clock to rebuild Walsall’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

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Key to his summer recruitment drive will be the arrival of a number of widemen with the squad currently without a recognised winger.

Here, Joseph Masi looks at four players the manager may want to consider as he plots a promotion charge.

Paris Cowan-Hall

Paris Cowan-Hall

Clarke previously signed Cowan-Hall while he was in charge of Bristol Rovers with the boss describing him as a player who can get goals from midfield.

His spell at the Memorial Stadium was blighted by injury. But those problems now seem to be in the past.

Quick and diminutive, Cowan-Hall rejoined Wycombe in 2017 and scored eight goals in 39 appearances as the Chairboys won automatic promotion from League Two.

The 28-year-old also featured 38 times for Gareth Ainsworth’s side last season before being released at the end of the campaign.

Jake Jervis

Jake Jervis

The wideman was close to joining Walsall in January 2018, but turned down the move in favour of joining Luton.

Jervis struggled for game time at Kenilworth Road, however, and spent all of last season on loan in League One with AFC Wimbledon.

Born in Wolverhampton, Jervis grew up in Telford and is understood to still live locally.

Seemingly set to leave Luton this summer, you’d expect Walsall would have to pay a small fee to land him.

But a second chance to join the Saddlers may be to good for the 27-year-old to turn down.

Corey Blackett-Taylor

Corey Blackett-Taylor

A free agent after his contract at Villa expired, Blackett-Taylor joined the Saddlers on loan last season.

He admitted it took him time to settle at the Banks’s and he didn’t make his first start until the visit of Sunderland in March.

When he did break in though, fans saw just how dangerous he can be.

There is no doubt the 21-year-old is still very raw.

But Clarke may feel he is the man to help him realise his potential.

Jamey Osborne

Jamey Osborne

Understood to have been watched by former boss Dean Keates, Osborne was one of the key figures for Solihull Moors last season.

Primarily a right midfielder, the 26-year-old is a good dribbler and also has an excellent passing range.

He is also versatile and can play in central midfield if needed.

Like Jervis, Walsall would have to pay a fee to land him.

But the midfielder would surely love another crack at playing in the Football League following a spell with Grimsby back in 2017.