Express & Star

Dean Keates plots Walsall deals as bid accepted for Amadou Bakayoko

Dean Keates is hopeful Walsall will make more signings before the transfer window closes – with the boss also confirming a bid has been accepted for striker Ama Bakayoko.

Published

The Saddlers are believed to have agreed a six-figure fee with Bristol Rovers for the 22-year-old who could complete his move the Memorial Stadium as early as today.

Bakayoko was left out of Walsall’s squad as they kicked of the 2018/19 campaign by securing a 2-1 victory over Plymouth.

The match came just 24 hours after Keates had bolstered his ranks with the signings of Jack Fiztwater, Kane Wilson and Morgan Ferrier.

And while he can still sign players on loan until the end of the month, the boss is hopeful of making additions before the window for permanent transfers closes on Thursday.

“I would like to think that we will add one or two more over the next few days,” Keates said. “The loan window will still be open which is to our advantage.

“We’ve brought in Jack and Kane on loan and we had those deals lined up in case we weren’t able to to make permanent signings. We are grateful to West Brom for that and I think they are loans that will be benefit both clubs.”

Keates saw skipper Adam Chambers come off with a foot injury in the win against Plymouth. And while Liam Kinsella impressed as his replacement, the boss said he is looking to strengthen in central midfield.

“Chambers had a bit of pain in his foot,” the boss continued. “He had a jab in it. He is a warrior. But it wasn’t quite right and that’s why he came off,” Keates added.

“I thought Kins (Kinsella) came on and was outstanding. He’s a fiery little character, I don’t know where he gets that from!

“He did well Kins. But that is an area where we may look to add.”

On Bakayoko, Keates said: “We’ve had an offer for him.

“We’ve accepted it and given him permission to go to speak to the team.

“We will know more in the next few days. As it stands, he’s our player.

“If he doesn’t get what he wants and he can’t agree terms with the other club, he will be back with us.

“We’ve had a few tentative calls regarding him and an offer the other week that was nowhere near what we wanted and we turned it down.

“Ama went about his business, someone’s come in for him and it meets our valuation. We will see what happens over the next few days.”