The Medway Messenger is reporting that Walsall have shown an interest in signing out-of-contract Gillingham club captain Paul Smith.

The 33 year old defensive midfielder, four times fans’ player of the season, with 393 appearances, has turned down an offer of a new contract at the Kent side, as it would have meant a huge cut from his previous salary. Swindon are named as favourites to sign the player, but Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, Southend and Orient are also said to be interested.

Quite where any aquisition of Smith would fit into Merson’s plans is difficult to say, as striker is still the critical position. On that front, the Express and Star is carrying the story from the message boards here and on TSFC and the Evening Mail the other night, that one of the current trialists is Brazilian Ruben Dario Larossa.