Express & Star

Euro 2016: Walsall's Tom Bradshaw out of Wales squad with injury as club rejects Preston bid

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Walsall's battle to keep Tom Bradshaw is hotting up with a number of Championship clubs weighing up bids – as the striker was ruled out of Euro 2016.

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The 23-year-old has been a revelation since being snapped up from Shrewsbury for a nominal fee and has scored 20 goals in both seasons with the Saddlers.

Preston are the first club to make a move this summer with a £400,000 offer rumoured to have been lodged yesterday, however sources in Lancashire insist only an enquiry was made.

But the Express & Star understands that offer falls well below Walsall's valuation with the board rejecting it out of hand.

Bradshaw is currently in Portugal with the Wales squad as he looks to cement his place in Chris Coleman's squad ahead of Euro 2016.

He was a long shot, but was ruled out late last night after suffering a calf injury.

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Reading and Birmingham have previously been linked with the forward while Nottingham Forest and Bristol City are also known admirers.

West Midlands rivals Wolves have also been linked with a bid for the star after boss Kenny Jackett was spotted at a Walsall game in March.

According to reports, Preston are thought to be willing to up their offer to somewhere in the region of £800,000.

But that is still well below Walsall's asking price.

Indeed, the Saddlers are using Conor Washington's transfer from Peterborough to QPR in January as their benchmark.

Washington, who has an inferior goal record to Bradshaw, moved to Loftus Road for a deal in excess of £2million.

And with the Saddlers in no rush to sell, they will only be tempted into a deal if it is right for all parties.

If Bradshaw does move on, however, Shrewsbury will be entitled to some of the fee having negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on when the player moved from Shropshire to the Banks's.

Meanwhile, Walsall continued their preparations for the 2016/17 campaign by announcing they will play a friendly with League Two Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on July 30.

The Saddlers have already arranged two local derbies for pre-season.

They will take on Solihull Moors on July 16 before hosting Championship outfit Birmingham on July 19.

Further friendlies will be announced by the Saddlers in due course.