I don’t know if Paul Merson reads this message board, but the Express & Star is reporting that he has taken the advice of one of our Evertonian visitors.

The paper says today that Walsall are lining up an offer to Anthony Gerrard’s Everton youth team colleague Daniel Fox. The left back was released by the Merseysiders on the same day as Anthony.

Like Gerrard, Fox’s release came as a surprise to many Everton fans and reports suggest that the pacy youngster may be plenty good enough for this Division. He has had a loan spell with Stranraer and is qualified for Scotland.

Meanwhile, the Star is also reporting that Craig Pead has verbally agreed a two year contract with the club. If Fox signs, that should complete the defensive rebuilding. It is also the probable reason for the announcement that the club are releasing young right back Ryan Willetts, who made his debut last season, before suffering a terrible run of injuries.