Reuben Reid link doesn't faze boss

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has insisted he isn't bothered about transfer gossip after top scorer Reuben Reid was linked with Blackpool.

The Tangerines are reportedly eyeing six-goal Reid and his loan from Albion expires in January.

The 22-year-old is likely to miss Saturday's FA Cup trip to Torquay with a hamstring injury.

Whether Albion would entertain selling one of their players to a Premier League relegation rival is doubtful but Hutchings isn't concerned about it.

He said: "That's down the line, we can't affect speculation and whether it happens remains to be seen.

"I suppose if you look at Blackpool's situation they will be the saying the same about Luke Varney (on loan from Derby)?

"It's speculation."

Hutchings has told Reid to focus on the Saddlers and helping them off the bottom of League One.

He said: "You have to do it on a consistent basis to make it in the Premier League.

"Whether he can produce that only time will tell but he has to do it here first and foremost - and if he did that West Brom might want to keep him.

"I don't know if they want to keep him or let him go, that's down to them."

Reid and strike partner Jonathan Macken (calf) are extremely doubtful for the second round showdown at Plainmoor but Hutchings will give them every chance to recover.

He added: "We're just playing the waiting game, we'll know a little bit more tomorrow.

"They are in good spirits which is positive."