Walsall are facing a defensive crisis as they head into 2017 as loanees Jason McCarthy of Southampton, Kevin Toner of Aston Villa and Scott Laird of Scunthorpe United are all within the final stages of their initial loan agreements.
The Saddlers have already seen Burnley winger Josh Ginnelly return home following the end of his six-month loan and will need to enter the transfer market quickly unless they can come to terms on extensions for one or all of their defensive loanees.
Social media whisperings suggest that Kevin Toner is likely to be returning to his parent club without the Saddlers seeking a further term, but Saints centre-back Jason McCarthy, who has enjoyed a very successful spell with the club, is likely to have his term extended as Walsall and the Premier League outfit look to form a more long-term partnership.
Both the Saddlers' backroom staff and Iron defender Scott Laird himself have expressed a desire to extend the left-back's stay with the club and are also expected top announce a deal in the not too distant future with his current contract not due to end until 10th January.
Whilst the hints from the press and social media suggest deals are near to being reached, anything can happen in the world of football especially as the fixtures list continues to throw up game after game giving the gaffer and his team little time to deal with any major selection issues.
Whilst the hints from the press and social media suggest deals are near to being reached, anything can happen in the world of football especially as the fixtures list continues to throw up game after game giving the gaffer and his team little time to deal with any major selection issues.