Express & Star

Jon Whitney: Festive success can help Walsall in transfer window

Walsall boss Jon Whitney believes a strong showing over the festive period can strengthen his hand in the

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January transfer window.

Whitney expects both arrivals and departures at the Banks’s during what he expects to be a “crazy” month.

The futures of loan quartet Tyler Roberts, Daniel Agyei, Zeli Ismail and Shaun Donnellan will be top of the agenda and Whitney must plan for all eventualities.

Albion ace Roberts in particular has been attracting interest from several other clubs, with Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst yesterday confirming he has registered an interest in taking the forward on loan next month.

Whitney’s focus, for now, is on improving a current league placing of 11th to ensure the Saddlers are an attractive proposition for potential targets.

Tomorrow’s trip to Rochdale is the first of four games in ten days and Whitney said: “I understand it is going to be a crazy month. Things are already starting now, with the loan players, there are no guarantees we will keep them all.

“It’s also nice to know the players we are targeting will have a look at where we are in the league.

“If we can be on a good run of form we will be a more attractive proposition to those players.”

The loans of Bury winger Ismail and Burnley striker Agyei are due to expire next month, along with those of Baggies duo Donnellan and Roberts.

Whitney remains in the dark as to the intentions of the parent clubs and does not expect to learn more until the New Year.

“I have approached all of the clubs but it is not my decision. They don’t tell you until later,” said Whitney.

“That is football. All we can do is try our best, speak openly and honestly with people and see how it develops over January. It’s the way of the game. We don’t moan about it, we just get on with it.

“I do think there will be changes, ins and outs. It is the way of the game and hopefully we are in a position to strengthen.”