Walsall reject bids for George Dobson and Morgan Ferrier

Speaking after the 1-1 friendly draw at Leamington tonight, the boss confirmed both players have expressed a desire to leave - which is why they were not involved at the New Windmill Ground.

Dobson is understood to have interest from League One heavyweights Sunderland.

It is not known who is chasing Ferrier's signature, although Coventry have been rumoured to be interested in the forward.

"George Dobson and Morgan Ferrier - we have had bids from clubs that haven't been acceptable," Clarke said.

"They have shown a desire to leave, which is football.

"What I will say is they won't be going anywhere until they meet the figure we have set, simple as that.

"For me, I have to build without them. That can change, you never know in football.

"The way the game works now, with agents involved, players see a big, big pay rise may be around the corner. And sometimes they want to leave.

"But they won't be disrespecting the club. And to be fair they have been knuckling down. They won't mess me about that's for sure because if they do I'll chop them off at the knees. But they know that."

Walsall included four trialists at Leamington including former Leicester forward Kairo Edwards-John who got on the score sheet.

In what was a competitive encounter, the Saddlers created the better chances and looked organised throughout.

And Clarke was pleased with the workout.

"It was a really good work out for us," he continued.

"I thought we showed a good work rate, good effort and we were on the front foot a lot of the time.

"We conceded from their first real opportunity, other than that they only really threatened from set-plays.

"But I knew they would be a threat there because me and Paul Holleran go back a long way.

"I remember bringing my Salisbury City team here and getting beat 2-0.

"But he gets his team organised so I knew it would be a good workout for us.

"But the players are giving me everything.

"I think the fans can see that, I think they understand where we are at as a group and a club now.

"We are working hard to get it back on the right track."