A waiting game for Walsall to land a striker

The Saddlers manager watched on Saturday as his team ran out comprehensive 5-0 winners in a pre-season friendly against National League outfit Solihull Moors.

Despite the emphatic victory, Walsall entered the game with Amadou Bakayoko as their only recognised striker following the departures of Tom Bradshaw and Jordan Cook.

But, while he admits he has spoken to a number of forwards, he will only bring in players who show the right attitude.

Whitney commented: "There have been developments but all I will say is watch this space. We have spent many hours looking at players and I have spoken to many people.

"I need the right person. I need them to see the kind of energy we have in this bunch and I need the striker to come in and be able to play games. That is why I am being a little bit patient.

"Hopefully against Solihull Moors fans could see, that from the players we have brought in, we are going to continue to play the same aggressive, high tempo football we played last season."

Two Bakayoko penalties together with a brace from Erhun Oztumer and a Florent Cuvelier strike saw the Saddlers to victory against Marcus Bignot's side on Saturday.

New recruits Oztumer and Cuvelier particularly impressed, with the pair both linking up well in the final third.

Whitney was delighted with the duo as they now prepare for another friendly, against Birmingham City at the Banks's Stadium tomorrow.

He added: "We saw Flo's power and that is why I brought him to the club. Ostumer I brought to the club because I think he is the best No 10 in the league.

"He sees things and he is very difficult to pick up. He creates chaos in that final third.

"We need players who can unlock defences when teams are banking in at the Banks's and we have got two or three players who can do that."