Walsall tie down exciting young striker Amadou Bakayoko with new deal

The deal keeps him at the Banks's until the summer of 2018, with an option of a further year in the Walsall's favour.

The 20-year old striker, whose contract was due to end at the conclusion of the current campaign, but will now stay with the club for the foreseeable future.

"I'm over the moon to be honest,"

"To be here for another season means I can kick on and really push on with my football.

"I'm more confident in my ability than I ever have been and it's not arrogance but I know I can go out there and do my thing now.

"I've shown what I can do, what I'm capable of and I know there's a lot more to come through working hard in training.

"I've always said I don't set targets and haven't this year. I just want to play as many games as I can, keep improving and hopefully become a great striker one day."

The exciting youngster spent time with Southport, AFC Telford and Worcester City on-loan before returning to Walsall and has since played a major part for Jon Whitney's team.

"I had to go out on loan and get my experience up and it definitely helped my progression,"

"The fans have always been amazing with me as well and it's so good knowing that I've had their support whenever I've played.

"It really gives you an extra boost when you come on to the pitch and it makes you want to give them something back to cheer.

"Hopefully I can kick on now, play more games and score more goals for them."

"We're really pleased with Ama," added Saddlers Boss Jon Whitney. "He showed what he was about during pre-season and has progressed really well over the past few months.

"He's a player who has always had great potential but he's shown he's got the right work ethic and application this year to develop into a real asset.

"It's great for him and for the club. He can settle down and concentrate on his football now.

"He done the right thing and went out on loan early on in his career and I think it gave him a comparative and taught him all about men's football.

"I went to see him a few times when he was with Worcester and he stood out on the pitch. He looked like a player who was a level above and he's taken those attributes into the first team.

"Scoring his goals has helped his confidence and now he's got to look at increasing his starting appearances and that'll come through hard work and enthusiasm on and off the pitch."