Saddlers boss: Sam Mantom is not for sale

The Saddlers chief claimed it would take an "awful lot of money" for any club to prise the club's current player of the season away.

Reports in Yorkshire had linked Huddersfield boss Mark Robins with a possible move for the 22-year-old and there were even suggestions contact had been made between the two clubs.

But Smith was more than happy to clarify matters when probed on the situation, after watching his side draw 1-1 in a pre-season friendly with Taunton Town last night.

"We have had zero contact for Sam Mantom and in all honesty he is not for sale," said Smith. "He is our player and a massive, integral part of our team.

"It will take an awful lot of money for anybody to come in for him. We have had no contact from Huddersfield at all, it is all speculation."

Even if an approach were made, it would likely be rebuffed by the Saddlers and any speculation over the player's future, unfounded or otherwise, is unwanted by Smith.

Mantom is contracted through to 2016 and seen as a pivotal part of a developing side, having formed a strong midfield partnership with Adam Chambers.

Since joining permanently from Albion in January 2013, following two loan spells, he has been a virtual ever-present.

He is a strong candidate to be handed the captain's armband in the coming campaign, when Smith chooses a successor to the departed Andy Butler.

For the most part, the manager has been content with his summer dealings thus far – with Butler's exit the only exception – and is only looking add to the size of his squad as the season nears.

It has been claimed Huddersfield view Mantom as a possible replacement for their own playmaker Adam Clayton move to Middlesbrough.

The player, meanwhile, continues to play a bit part in pre-season training as he struggles to shake off a niggling knee injury and did not feature in the squad for last night's game.

A Kieron Morris strike seven minutes from time salvaged a draw for the Saddlers, after Dean Holden's own goal had given Calor League South side Taunton a shock lead.