Dean Smith plots Walsall double deal

Walsall boss Dean Smith today remained tight-lipped over his top midfield target - as the Saddlers were again linked with Adam Chambers.

The manager revealed he is closing in on two new signings and is in talks over Marco Gbarssin and Marc Laird.

Smith has also been linked with a swoop for Leyton Orient midfielder Chambers – who he worked with at Brisbane Road – as he looks to plug the midfield gap.

But when asked about Chambers, Smith said: "I can't discuss it at the moment."

Former Albion trainee Chambers is available on a free transfer, despite being offered a new contract by the O's after making enough appearances to trigger an extension.

But he has yet to sign and a move back to the Midlands is tempting the 30-year-old, who was born in Sandwell and made 70 appearances for Albion.

Ex-loanees Gbarssin and Laird are also on the radar but Smith insisted he is first pursuing another target, believed to be Chambers.

He said: "Marco is still on the radar and I've been in dialogue with him. I've got a first choice player who I am moving for in centre-midfield at the moment.

"Marc is one that's under consideration as well, I have been in dialogue with his agent."

Smith also ruled out any return for Richards and Julian Gray, after the pair missed the deadline to agree new deals.

He said: "I was very close to agreeing with both of them and they had a month to accept their offer and they didn't.

"They came back to me after the month had ceased and I told them the offer had expired. Not giving me an answer gave me the chance to look elsewhere.

"If I can get other bodies in for less money I will."