Walsall rebel Darryl Westlake looks set for Sheffield United

Walsall contract rebel Darryl Westlake was today on the verge of joining League One rivals Sheffield United.

The right-back rejected a new deal at the Saddlers this summer and Blades boss Danny Wilson is keen on bringing him to Bramall Lane, according to reports.

Wilson is hunting a new right-back after selling Matt Lowton to Villa for £3m as he builds a side to escape League One after losing to Huddersfield in last season's play-off final.

Westlake, 21, made his Saddlers debut in 2009 and made 78 appearances, scoring once, but was restricted to 21 games last term.

He lost his place to Lee Beevers and was offered a new deal but turned down the chance to stay at the Saddlers.

He joins Emmanuel Ledesma and Manny Smith to severe their ties with Walsall this week after they joined Middlesbrough and Notts County respectively.

Mat Sadler has also joined League One rivals Crawley and Alex Nicholls left for Northampton.

Meanwhile, Jamie Paterson has revealed he put his summer holiday plans on ice to improve as a player.

He returned to pre-season training with the squad last week and admitted he needed to bulk up to be a League One hit.

"I haven't gone on holiday, I've just concentrated on getting bigger and stronger for the season. It's only going to improve me as a player," he said.

"I've just got a new car and had other things to sort out as well but I wanted to focus on getting stronger over the summer.

"I've put on about half a stone. I needed to really, it's why I did it – to put on a little bit of strength. I felt I was doing alright last year but sometimes I was getting pushed off the ball. I just thought I'd go in the gym – out of boredom as well.

"I have grown up a little bit more. Hopefully next season can be my season and I can play more games and score more goals."