Walsall star Sam Mantom is a Barnsley target

The 24-year-old midfielder, who is out of contract this summer, has been offered a two-year-deal to extend his stay at the Banks's Stadium.

But it is understood that the box-to-box star, who scored nine goals from midfield during last season, is on a list of players interesting Barnsley following their promotion to the Championship.

Mantom first joined the Saddlers on loan from Albion in 2012 before signing permanently under former boss Dean Smith the following year.

Now, though, he could be set for a move to Oakwell and the club that defeated Walsall in the League One play-offs.

The Tykes beat Jon Whitney's men 6-1 on aggregate before then overcoming Millwall at Wembley to clinch a spot in the Championship.

And they are known to be targeting players from the lower leagues who are aged 24 or under as they look to build for the future.

Mantom fits that bill and it is believed Barnsley's interest in the Saddlers star has intensified after they missed out on signing former loanee Josh Brownhill.

The 20-year-old had been expected to complete a permanent switch to Yorkshire from Preston but instead opted to team up with former boss Lee Johnson at Bristol City.

Meanwhile, Walsall are preparing to net a cash windfall should former striker Troy Deeney completes a move away from Premier League Watford this summer.

The 27-year-old is believed to be the number one target for champions Leicester should they lose Jamie Vardy to Arsenal.

Deeney left the Banks's Stadium for Watford in 2010 for a fee of £500,000.

The Saddlers received a further £150,000 last summer after he helped fire the Hornets into the Premier League.

But Walsall officials also negotiated a sell-on clause should Deeney ever depart Vicarage Road.

While remaining officially undisclosed, it is believed to be 20 per cent of any profit Watford make above the £500,000 they paid for Deeney's services.

That means if the striker is sold for £15million, the Saddlers could net as much as £2.9million.

Elsewhere, Walsall have announced they will play a friendly away at Notts County on July 26.