Richard Money hails Claude Gnakpa

Richard Money today hailed Walsall's bargain boy Claude Gnakpa and insisted the Frenchman will be one of the signings of the summer.

The former Saddlers boss, who managed the winger at Luton, believes Gnakpa is a match-winner and gave the winger a glowing recommendation to Dean Smith.

Gnakpa, who started his career with Montpellier, has signed a one-year deal at the Banks's Stadium after seeing out his contract at Kenilworth Road.

The 28-year-old rejected a new offer from the Hatters to move back to the Football League.

And Money, who left Luton in March, insisted Saddlers boss Smith has landed a steal.

Money said: "He's an excellent signing. I spoke to Dean and Paul Taylor before they made their decision and I said, for me, it was a no- brainer. In terms of value for money, they couldn't get anyone better.

"He does match-winning things. He's going to be a real crowd favourite and he'll prove an important player.

"He's got explosive power, he's a good size and a very capable player – he ticks all the boxes."

Striker George Bowerman has penned a new six-month deal with the Saddlers.

The 19-year-old agreed terms last month and signed the contract at the weekend.

He said: "I've got plenty in the tank and want to show what I am capable of in the pre-season games and be in a position to really push on."