Dean Smith hoping to end search for new Walsall striker

But the Saddlers boss is saying little more for fear of jinxing any deal. Smith has been attempting to land another striker – which he regards as the final piece of his team jigsaw – for several weeks.

And after hinting he was close to deals before, only to see them fall through later, the manager is understandably remaining reticent this time around.

"There is movement but that is all it is at the moment," he said when asked about the striker search. "We are hopeful something will be done early next week.

"But at the same time I was hoping for that early last week as well and it never happened, so we will have to wait and see."

Ideally Smith wants to sign a striker on a permanent basis but is prepared to test the loan market if necessary.

Meanwhile, Smith was delighted with Tom Bradshaw and Romaine Sawyers in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Leyton Orient. The latter was used as a second-half substitute after being dropped following a poor performance against Yeovil last week.

"I took him out of the firing line because he got a bit of stick on Tuesday night, but we know what a good player he is," said Smith.

"I'm really pleased with what they are doing and Tom Bradshaw was outstanding. "

The Saddlers host Premier League Crystal Palace tomorrow night in the Capital One Cup second round. Smith admits injured trio Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss and James Chambers are unlikely to be fit.