Sunderland target George Dobson played no part in Walsall’s pre-season friendly win at Nuneaton Borough on Saturday.
The Saddlers have rejected a Black Cats bid for 21-year-old midfielder and captain, who has asked to leave the Bescot Stadium.
Walsall played Sunderland four times last season, but the only game Dobson missed was the one his team won, knocking the Black Cats out of the FA Cup second round after a replay. Despite this, Walsall were relegated to League Two at the end of the season.
Dobson is the sort of link player who can play between a holding midfielder and a No.10 in a three-man central midfield. Lee Cattermole often did that job for the Wearsiders last season, but has been released as they look to cut a wage bill which stood at a completely unrealistic £14m at the start of the campaign.
Dylan McGeouch was another central midfielder linked with a move away but Aberdeen are instead closing in on a deal with Scunthorpe United for Funso Ojo . Jack Ross revealed on Thursday night that agreement had been reached with Elliot Embleton, who ran his contract down in the summer, and a new deal should be confirmed early next week.
Dobson has an impressive pedigree having started his career at Arsenal, before moving to West Ham United. He did not play first-team football for either club, instead making his debut on loan at Walsall, who he joined permanently after a spell with Sparta Rotterdam.
Considered a cultured passer of the ball, the biggest blot on his record at this early stage is only two goals from his 96 appearances for the Midlands club. He can also play in the centre of defence, where Sunderland added former Coventry City captain Jordan Willis to their ranks on Saturday.
Walsall fielded 22 players including five trialists in the 4-1 win.
