Walsall FC close to clinching Febian Brandy move

Walsall FC were continuing talks with striker Febian Brandy today in the hope that he will face Wolves on Saturday as the latest Saddlers signing.

Manager Dean Smith confirmed talks with the 23-year-old forward's representatives were resuming in the hope of reaching agreement.

Brandy, a former Manchester United prospect, impressed during a 45-minute run-out in this week's goalless draw at Telford and is understood to have already had his medical at the Banks's Stadium.

The one-time England Under-20 Manchester-born forward has spent the last three years of his career looking for a base from which to fulfil his early potential, culminating with a fruitless spell in Greek football with Panetolikos at the end of last season.

Smith also suggested there could be another confirmed signing before the pre-season friendly against their neighbours – but he is still refusing to deal in names.

"There's a lot of work being done at the moment and I am hoping that by Saturday there will be another couple of players signed up," he said. "Brandy is one who we are talking to and those discussions will continue today. But I am optimistic.

"We have this game against Wolves coming up now and it will be another opportunity for those players we are looking at on trial to make a case for themselves."

Last season's squad has been decimated by departures, but Smith is now only five signatures short of the 22-man group he wants for the next League One campaign.

He said: "I was happy with the Telford outing. We put out two different teams for each player to get 45 minutes and I saw some good stuff."