Walsall ambition lures Claude Gnakpa

Claude Gnakpa today insisted Dean Smith made it "easy" to join Walsall after being impressed with the boss's ambition.

The winger has penned a one-year deal after seeing out his contract at Luton and admitted boss Smith was the key to his Banks's Stadium move.

Gnakpa, who can play on the right and in defence, becomes the fourth new arrival this summer and said Smith won him over.

He said: "I was very impressed by what the manager had to say and the project he has here. He made me feel wanted and that made my decision to come here an easy one.

"I am excited by the challenge. I'm the type of player that likes to take people on and provide crosses for the strikers. I also like to score goals myself and I will be looking to weigh in with my fair share here."

The 28-year-old started his career at Montpellier before spells at Racing Santander and Alaves. He moved to Swindon in 2007 but failed to make an appearance and then moved to Peterborough.

Gnakpa switched to Luton in 2008, under ex-Saddlers boss Richard Money, and scored 15 goals as the Hatters made the Blue Square Premier play-offs last term.

Smith said: "Claude will bring a different dimension to our game. I'm glad to have him here; he's quick, strong, decent in the air and scores goals. He was a favourite among the fans at Luton and hopefully he can do the same here."