Walsall player exodus: Anthony Forde set for Rotherham

Anthony Forde is closing in on a move to Rotherham as Walsall snap up promising Southampton defender Jason McCarthy on loan .

McCarthy, who is captain of the Saints' under-21 side, has agreed a temporary switch that will see him stay at the Banks's Stadium until January.

But while Saddlers fans welcomed his arrival, they will also be hugely disappointed to see Irish winger Forde close in on a move to South Yorkshire. The 22-year-old looks set to be the latest player to turn down a new contract after Romaine Sawyers, Milan Lalkovic and Jason Demetriou all moved on.

Sources in Yorkshire told the Express & Star that Forde has agreed terms to become Alan Stubbs' first signing as Millers boss – with the former Wolves man set to undergo a medical.

Walsall will now negotiate a compensation package, with the club entitled to a fee due to Forde being under 24.

But while Forde looks set to move to the New York Stadium, it looks highly unlikely he will be joined there by striker Tom Bradshaw.

Reports emerged on Monday that Rotherham had seen a £250,000 bid rejected for the Welsh striker. But the Express & Star understands no bid has been made.

Boss Jon Whitney is expecting latest recruit McCarthy to make a big impact – with the youngster winning the Supporters' Player of the Year award while on loan at Wycombe last season.

Whitney said: "He's a committed defender who has a tremendous work ethic and will fit in really well to the philosophy I'm trying to develop at the club. Southampton think really highly of him."

and they're keen to build a relationship with the club this season and going forward."

"He'll be an integral part of the squad and has the skill set and attitude to be really successful here a Walsall."