Shot-stopper Liam Roberts in Walsall talks
Walsall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has begun negotiations on a new deal following his impressive form.
The 23-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign, has shone for the Saddlers since replacing Mark Gillespie as the club’s No.1.
Roberts, who was born in Walsall, came through the youth ranks at the Banks’s Stadium.
And after spending time as the club’s No.3 and No.2, he is now seizing his chance in the first team.
After a man of the match performance against Oxford, Charlton boss Karl Robinson then hailed the glovesman as one of the best in League One following his display at The Valley.
The Express & Star understands that form has alerted other clubs who are now monitoring the keeper.
But Walsall boss Jon Whitney wants to tie Roberts down to a long-term deal.
“We are in negotiations now with Liam,” he said. “I have spoken to the board and we are trying to get something done. We want to get him on a long-term deal if we can.”
Meanwhile, Walsall have allowed talented youngster Dan Vann to join Stafford Rangers on a month’s loan.
The 18-year-old is highly thought of at the Banks’ Stadium.
But following the arrivals of Jack Fitzwater and Krystian Bielik, Whitney felt it was important the teenager got some first-team experience.
“Neil Kitching, the Stafford Rangers manager, had a look at Dan about two months when he was coming back from injury,” the boss said.
“He wasn’t quite ready then but he is more than ready now.
“He holds his own every day in training and really impresses in the under-23 games.
“I think the time has come for him to step up to senior football. It’s a good move for him.
“Kitching is hopefully going to give him and chance and he may even be involved for them this weekend.”
Vann himself is looking forward to proving himself in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Vann said.
“It’s the first time I’ll be going out on loan and it’ll be a good challenge for me.
“Hopefully I will fit in quite well and hopefully I can get some games.
“I’m hoping to play most of the games and develop more as a person and as a player.”
