Walsall in battle for Lee Beevers

Walsall today faced a tug-of-war with Inverness for Lee Beevers after the Scottish side stepped up their efforts to sign the defender.

The Saddlers are still in talks with the versatile Beevers but now have serious competition from the SPL outfit.

Sources have confirmed the 28-year-old is one of Caley boss Terry Butcher's top targets and the former England captain is ready to offer him a deal.

Beevers has rejected the Saddlers' initial contract offer but the club have confirmed discussions are on-going with former Ipswich and Colchester man.

He became a key figure in Walsall's successful battle against the League One drop last season, making 40 appearances.

He played in every defensive position – including goalkeeper when Jimmy Walker was sent off against MK Dons last October.

Keeping Beevers would be a major boost for the Saddlers who are facing a player exodus with Manny Smith and Darryl Westlake the latest to reject new deals.

The duo could still stay but boss Dean Smith is unlikely to wait long as he plans another summer rebuilding job.

Just David Grof, Jake Jones and Adam Chambers have committed their futures to the club this summer to join Andy Butler, Jamie Paterson, Will Grigg and George Bowerman and five first-year professionals.

Smith also is set to lose Emmanuel Ledesma with the Argentine on the brink of joining Middlesbrough.

The attacker will pen a deal at the Riverside to become Tony Mowbray's second summer signing.

It is a bitter blow to the Saddlers who had given the 24-year-old more time to decide on his future after issuing several players with a June 19 deadline.

Boss Smith offered a contract to Ledesma, who returned in March to score four goals in 10 games to ensure the Saddlers finished seven points clear of the drop zone.

And it will be the second time Ledesma has quit the Banks's Stadium after he walked away from a new deal last year after scoring once in 10 games in the Saddlers' 'Great Escape'.