Claude Gnakpa set to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Walsall were today ready to offload Claude Gnakpa to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Walsall were today ready to offload Claude Gnakpa to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The winger is reportedly on the brink of a switch to the Scottish Premier League outfit just six months after joining the Saddlers.
He has failed to make an impact since his move from Luton in July and Caley boss Terry Butcher is keen to bring him north of the border.
The Frenchman penned a one-year deal in the summer but Walsall boss Dean Smith is prepared to let him go as he tries to free up funds following a disappointing League One campaign.
Former Peterborough star Gnakpa was left out of the Saddlers' squad for their 1-1 draw at Carlisle on Saturday and has made just 10 starts, scoring twice.
And he revealed his frustrations about failing to land a regular first team spot on Twitter last month.
"To attack, defence, get assist or score goals I need to be on the pitch. Not running after the game is finished. Don't get it," he wrote after being an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at Chesterfield. "Disappointed because I think I could help my team mate get the 3 points today."
Inverness have already completed a deal to take Wolves striker Sam Winnall on loan for the rest of the season and have now targeted Gnakpa. They are 10th in the SPL – eight points above rock-bottom Dunfermline – and beat Hearts 1-0 last Saturday.
Former England captain Butcher wants to beat Tuesday's transfer deadline to snare Gnakpa as he looks to bolster the squad.
Meanwhile, the Walsall Supporters' Trust have produced 1,000 Jimmy Walker masks for Tuesday's visit of Notts County. It will be the first home game since the goalkeeper broke the Saddlers' appearance record with his 530th outing at Brentford this month.
They will also present the 38-year-old with a framed shirt to mark his achievement and have invited Colin Harrison, Nick Atthey and Kenny Mower as guests. Colin Taylor, who passed away five years ago, will be represented by son Mark and grandson Sam.
The masks will be on sale for £1 at the Banks's Stadium.
