Darrell Clarke has confirmed that Sunderland target George Dobson wants to leave Walsall this summer.
The Saddlers skipper was left at home this week as his team-mates flew to Poland for a pre-season training camp, amid a transfer bid, believed to be from Sunderland.
Jack Ross is keen on adding leaders to his dressing room this summer and 21-year-old Dobson fits the bill of the type of player the Black Cats boss is looking for.
And Clarke confirmed Dobson has asked to leave, explaining that is why Dobson, along with team-mate Morgan Ferrier, were left out of the tour squad.
Clarke told the Express and Star: "I chatted to both of them before and told them they weren't in the 22-man travelling squad – we'll review that when we get back. The players know there were bids that obviously weren't acceptable for the club and turned down.
"They've both shown a desire they would like to move on and that's where we stand – but things can obviously change quickly in football and we'll review it when we get back and see where we're at.
"They've been working hard with the youth team this week.
"I haven't had a problem with the boys' attitude, they haven't given me an ounce of problem.
"Morgan is very, very lively – he just needs a slap a few times, but that's Morgan Ferrier for you – and Dobbo is a model pro, so there are no problems there.
"But we want players that want to play for Walsall – they might have changed their opinion when I get back and will be keen to be part of this group."
