FOREST Green Rovers defender Scott Laird has been linked with a loan move to Walsall.

The 30-year-old has only made one appearance this season which came in the Carabao Cup against Swindon Town  back in August.

Laird had a successful loan spell with the Saddlers during the 2016-17 season and a return to the West Midlands looks on the cards.

Walsall boss Dean Keates said he was hopeful of having a new signing in place for their weekend game against Gillingham.

He told the Express and Star: "We are optimistic.

“There are loads of phone calls going on. We are in constant conversation with agents and with football clubs.

“It’s trying to get the right ones in but we are optimistic we will have someone in for the weekend.

“We are on it, we know we need to get some bodies into the squad to freshen it up.

“All being well, something will happen before the weekend.”