Speaking to the Express and Star, Jon Whitney has praised Erhun Oztumer for his attitude across pre-season, after the Walsall man was linked with a move away from the club.

Nottingham Forest and Bristol City have been two Sky Bet Championship clubs linked with Oztumer this summer, after the attacking midfielder impressed for Walsall last season.

But despite months of speculation, Oztumer is still a Walsall player and Whitney has been impressed with how the 26-year-old has applied himself across pre-season.

The Walsall boss told the Express and Star: “Erhun could have been swayed towards the end of last season. He got a lot of praise but he is a level-headed guy and he came back absolutely chomping for pre-season.

"He has applied himself and given 100 per cent. His work ethic in the games and training has been really high.”

Walsall finished the 2016/17 campaign comfortably in mid-table, with Oztumer the star of their season, standing out as one of League One’s stars, scoring 15 goals and grabbing six assists.

It is the form he showed last year that made him so in-demand earlier this summer, but as things stand Oztumer will be lining up for Whitney’s side at the start of next season.

Walsall will be looking to build on last season’s 15th-placed finish, and will be turning to Oztumer to replicate the form he showed last year, with hope he can inspire a push towards the play-offs.

Whitney’s side begin the 2017/18 season this weekend when they travel to Bury on Saturday.

The Verdict  

Keeping hold of Oztumer is a big positive for Walsall this summer, with the 26-year-old absolutely key to the club’s chance for improving on last season’s performance.

His form over the next 12-months could define which end of the League One table Whitney’s side are competing at next season.

However, there is just under a month of the transfer window remaining, and should Oztumer start the season anything like he performed last year, Championship clubs could come calling.

Walsall fans… Let us know your thoughts!