Milan Lalkovic could return to Walsall FC, says Dean Smith

Dean Smith today admitted Milan Lalkovic could return to Walsall after being released by Chelsea. more

The Saddlers boss revealed he will speak to the 21-year-old forward in the coming days.

Lalkovic, who spent the past season on loan at the Banks's, was told on Friday he will not be offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

Smith says the pair will be keeping in touch as the Slovakian mulls his future.

"I have got to keep in touch with him because he (Lalkovic) expressed a desire to be called back around the end of May to the beginning of June, just to see if he has got anything sorted," said Smith. "He would not rule out a move back here.

"He is going to have a look and see what else is out there first and so will we."

Lalkovic, who scored six goals last season, has previously spoken of how much he enjoyed his time with the Saddlers.

But there are several obstacles which need to be overcome before any return. Lalkovic would likely have to take a cut in wages, while there is reported interest from several other clubs, including Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

"Milan coming back is a possibility but he is going to have a look and see what is out there with his agent obviously and we'll do the same," added Smith.

"When he left we thanked him for all his efforts. He moved up into the area and lived in Aldridge and really bought into what we are trying to do. He feels he improved and will get better for it.

"He didn't want to rule out the possibility of coming back, that is for sure."

Lalkovic finished his campaign with a flourish on Saturday when he scored the only goal for Slovakia under-23s as they beat England C 1-0 in the International Challenge Trophy.

Today, Walsall hosts their second international game of the Bank Holiday Weekend when Montenegro under-19s take on Ukraine under-19s (kick-off 3pm) in the UEFA Championship Elite Round. Montenegro will be looking to bounce back after losing 6-0 to England in front of a 1,897-strong crowd at the Banks's on Saturday.

Liverpool's Jordon Ibe scored a hat-trick and Villa's Callum Robinson was also on target in the rout.