Walsall's fight to keep Reuben Reid

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings today admitted he will be powerless to keep top scorer Reuben Reid if Albion decide to cash in on the striker.

The forward's loan from the Baggies expires next week and his agent has alerted Championship and League One clubs to his availability.

Albion are likely to listen to offers for the 22-year-old, whose deal at The Hawthorns ends in the summer.

And Hutchings said: "Agents are trying to do their jobs and what will happen, will happen. We can't legislate for a club coming in for a player. We will just wait and see."

"We might want to keep him but whether West Brom want to sell him or keep him themselves, I don't know. There are a lot of scenarios."

The Saddlers' festive programme has been hit by the big freeze, with today's game with Dagenham and Redbridge postponed due to a frozen pitch.

But Reid hasn't played since the 3-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on November 23 because of a hamstring injury.

Hutchings is keeping quiet over his intentions but insisted the former Plymouth and Rotherham striker must strive to improve.

He said: "He's our leading scorer, he's scored goals and that's what we need to win games. I'm pleased with that aspect of it.

"That's the most important thing and that's what all strikers want to do. No matter what level you play at, that's what you're judged on.

"But he's still a young lad and needs to work harder on his game. When you're a young lad there's always room to improve.

"You're never satisfied with what you've got, if he was the complete article he wouldn't be here on loan."