Walsall have confirmed they have rejected a bid for Sunderland target George Dobson.
The Saddlers captain has emerged as a Black Cats target this summer as they look to replace Lee Cattermole in central midfield.
Scotland international midfielder Dylan McGeouch could also leave this summer with Aberdeen interested in signing him, meaning Sunderland are in the market for a central midfielder.
The 21-year-old has made over 80 appearances in the Football League and he is expected to leave the West Midlands this summer.
Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has revealed they are planning for life without Dobson but insisted he will not be sold until their valuation of the player is met.
"George Dobson and Morgan Ferrier - we have had bids from clubs that haven't been acceptable," Clarke told the Express and Star.
"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."
