Bradford City have officially denied that they have any interest in signing out of contract Walsall midfielder Darren Wrack, despite rumours on the Bradford message boards. The Express & Star, however, have named a completely different class of team in connection with Wracky.

Championship team and play-off losers Preston North End are rumoured to be taking an interest in the long serving winger/utility midfield man. This is something of a surprise, as no one was expecting interest from a higher level, unless, of course, it’s a leak from his agent in the hope of getting a better offer from Walsall. Time will tell, but Wrack is quoted as saying:-

“I’ve had a few phone calls but at the moment I’m just waiting to see what happens with Walsall and weighing up my options. The calls have been from clubs in League Two, League One and The Championship, but so far it’s just calls and nothing definite. I don’t really know what’s going to happen, I’m just keeping my options open.”

There is unlikely to be any movement with Wrack’s contract, or the possible aquisition of Chris Westwood from Hartlepool, who the newspaper again confirmed we are interested in, as Chairman Jeff Bonsor is away on holiday. Hartlepool fans on their message boards seem to have convinced themselves that Westwood is on his way, however, with The Saddlers the only team mentioned in the running.

Some weeks ago, we reported that Colin Todd had been showing an interest in signing Julian Joachim, but that he thought it very unlikely he would be able to attract the player. Bradford fans’ site, The Boy From Brazil, is now reporting that there is another Walsall connection – Darren Wrack.

Todd has been chasing a wide man and had been looking at ex Celtic man Bobby Petta, but, according to Bradford fans, his attention has now shifted to either John Oster, or our very own Darren Wrack.

The rumours have reached the stage where they say a signing is imminent – like in the next day or two – and it is interesting to speculate that Wrack may be involved, especially as all has gone quiet on that front.

It may, however, and this is far more likely, be pure speculation, but this is certainly the time of year to be enjoying that! I certainly wouldn’t give this one a lot of credibility, but you never know.

Meanwhile, of possibly even more interest to Walsall readers, Julian Joachim has not been included in the squad pictures on the Leeds United Official Web Site. This must be as clear a sign as possible that Kevin Blackwell does not want him at the club next season, but there seems to be little sign of the two parties coming to an agreement as yet. There aren’t even any rumours circulating on the Leeds message boards. Michael Ricketts is another left in limbo in exactly the same way.

The Express and Star is reporting today that Paul Merson is looking at Luke Rodgers as an alternative to Julian Joachim, should that deal fall through.

The controversial Shrewsbury star, who turned down a contract offer from his club, despite narrowly avoiding relegation, has been mentioned on the message boards many times before, but the assumption has always been that the need to pay compensation to Salop for his services would rule him out.

The Star, however, says that Merson is looking at him as a realistic alternative, but only if the Joachim deal does not materialise, presumably as there would be no need to pay Rodgers the same amount, freeing up resources for compensation.

This may, of course, just be a tactic in the war of nerves with Leeds, who are eager to get Joachim off their wage bill and will be afraid of being left paying for a player they do not want.

The Shropshire Star has the story on-line, even though the Express & Star won’t until the morning:- http://www.shropshirestar.com/show_article.php?aID=33868

Meanwhile, one rumour, the return of Paul Hall, isn’t going to happen, as the player, who turned down a new contract with Tranmere, has signed for Chesterfield.

The Express & Star is today following UTS and the Hartlepool local papers by linking Walsall with Chris Westwood.

We broke the story of Merson’s interest in the Dudley born ex Wolves central defender last Monday, but the trail seemed to have gone quiet, following the signing of Everton youngster Danny Fox, who can play centre back as well as full back. The Star today, however, says that Paul Merson is indeed interested in aquiring the Hartlepool stopper.

The paper says that all three new defensive signings lack experience which “Merson is hoping Westwood will bring to the back four following the departure of Neil Emblen”.

“The Walsall boss also has Ian Roper and Julian Bennett at his disposal, but Westwood’s potential arrival would help Merson protect his young defenders from burn-out”.

“Westwood, who made five senior appearances for Wolves after coming through the Molineux ranks, will also bring leadership skills to the Walsall side having captained Hartlepool in the past”.

Walsall have this afternoon signed former Everton full back Daniel Fox on a two year contract.

The 19 year old product of the Merseysider’s youth system was released the same day as new signing Anthony Gerrard and the two are good friends. Fox impressed Mick Halsall while he was watching Gerrard with a view to taking him on loan last season. He has had first team experience whilst on loan at Stranraer.

Fox is a specialist left back, who can play centre back and even left midfield, at a pinch.

Name: Daniel Fox (Danny Fox)
Born: England
Nationality: England
Position: Left Back
DOB: 29/5/1986

He’s 1.80 metres tall, weighs 73 kilos and is described as “pacy”.

Both of the Hartlepool local papers are confirming that there is some interest in bringing Dudley born centre back Chris Westwood back to the West Midlands. As UTS broke the story on Monday, the Hartlepool Mail has says the following:-

Westwood, who was controversially red carded during Sunday’s final, is currently mulling over his options and is understood to be considering a move back to his native West Midlands.

What Walsall’s chances are of enticing the Rio Ferdinand look-a-like away from the Victoria Ground, it is difficult to say. The rival local paper, the Hartlepool Echo, says:-

With his family based in Dudley, a move to Walsall would appeal and Paul Merson is interested in his services, but Westwood said: “We will have to see what happens. Michael Nelson and I have a great understanding, and we’ll see what develops.”

It looks as if this is one rumour that definitely has some mileage in it.