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Andreas Makris on brink of sealing record-breaking Walsall move

Walsall are today hoping to smash their long-term transfer record by completing a move for Cypriot forward Andreas Makris.

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At an open training session this morning, boss Jon Whitney confirmed his interest in the forward and said the 20-year-old will undergo a medical later today.

It is understood the fee for the striker could eventually rise as high as €300,000 or £253,000.

That would break the Saddlers' current transfer which stands at £175,000 when Alan Buckley returned from Birmingham City in 1979.

Coincidently, today is 30 years to the day Buckley was sacked as Walsall manager.

But while Whitney confirmed he is hopeful of completing the deal for Makris, the boss warned fans there is still some work to be done.

"He's at the club today," Whitney said when asked about the forward.

"He's having a medical and I'm talking to him about personal terms to see if there is something we can do.

"I needed to get him over here and have a look at him in person. I've spoken to him several times and all his character references are really good.

"I like what he's about. He's one we can develop. He's one who can score goals but I need to know that the deal is right and that he can actually score goals in League One for me.

"I need to have a look at him today, see what he is like through the medical and see what he is like with the lads in the gym and see him in person because when he's over in Cyprus and I'm speaking to him, it's different.

"I'll be chatting to him at length today for a couple of hours, seeing what his plans are and whether he is interested in pursuing his career with Walsall."

Whitney revealed Makris has received a glowing recommendation from former Saddler Jason Demetriou who is an international team mate for the forward.

"Jason speaks very highly of him," Whitney continued.

"It's been a couple of months in the working but I'm hoping he will be somebody who can come and score goals in League One.

"But he hasn't had his medical yet so it's subject to contract and personal terms but there is definitely an interest in bringing him over."

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