Walsall working on deals ahead of deadline

The striker joined the Sky Blues on a two-year-deal yesterday for a fee between £150,000 and £200,000.

While the transfer window for permanent signings closes at 5pm tomorrow, Walsall are able to make loan additions until the end of the month and can also still speak to free agents.

Keates though is hopeful of adding to his squad before tomorrow's deadline, with a striker, midfielder and centre-back all on his list of targets.

"It's a bit strange there are two windows," the boss said.

"But we are pressing on and are hopeful we can get one or two in ahead of Thursday's deadline.

"Ama's move gives us a little bit more freedom with one or two.

"There were still targets there. I had options based on what Ama decided.

"We added Morgan (Ferrier) last week and Ama could have turned the deal down and if he had he would have come back in.

"We are pressing on but there is still the option to go for the out of contract players and loan players until the end of August so is it actually a transfer window?"

With Bakayoko having moved on, Keates said he is on the hunt for a striker with youngsters Mitch Candlin and Dylan Parker now back up to Ferrier and Andy Cook.

"We're definitely looking for a striker," the boss added.

"We have got two lads in there with Mitch and Dylan. But they are still very young and are still learning their trade.

"They have only just stepped up from the youth team. It’s a lot to ask of them to be able to play week in, week out or to be pushing for a start.

"They need a lot of work and a lot of developing. But they will have opportunities."