Dean Smith hunts quick deals

Walsall chief Dean Smith was today eyeing quick deals for his summer rebuild.

The Saddlers boss is keen to wrap up his business and capitalise on the feelgood factor surrounding the club following their Great Escape.

Skipper Andy Butler has already penned a new two-year deal and Smith revealed in the Express & Star on Thursday goalkeeper Jimmy Walker is close to committing his future.

And the boss hinted he is poised to swoop for new faces in the next few days and put pressure on his squad.

"I'm back in today, Tuesday and Wednesday and I'm hoping to do something this week if not then it'll be over the next week or two," said Smith.

"It's important you have people in so it gives others the idea of the strength we'll have in the team, what they're up against and how hard they'll have to work to get into the side.

"I'm in talks with players at the moment and in contact with a number of agents who are pushing players. I've just had my free transfer list come through and there are a lot of players on there."

Smith released nine men, including Darren Byfield and Clayton McDonald, and knows where he wants to strengthen.

"There are particular areas, we haven't got a left back so we'll be looking there and we're a little short in midfield after the loan guys went back to their clubs," he said.