Shrewsbury Town are believed to be tracking Bristol City midfielder Liam Walsh, as reported by the Shropshire Star.

Manager Sam Ricketts, who had also been linked with a move for West Brom's Sam Field before he joined Charlton, is keen to add to his options in the middle of the park ahead of the transfer deadline.

He has until September 2nd to bring in new recruits, but is keeping an eye on developments today. Like Field, Walsh is thought to have Championship suitors, but can only make a move within the second tier before 5pm this afternoon.

That's led to an unusual situation in which League One and Two managers are keeping loan spaces available in their squad until the bigger clubs have concluded their business.

“It’s a hard one, this is the first time it (the deadline) has happened like this," said the former Wrexham boss.

“Last year everyone finished on the same day. This year League One and League Two get another move and Conference can do anything whenever they want to.

“It does add a different dynamic to the transfer window. But it’s a tough one, our season has already started and you want players in as soon as you can."

Whilst it has its drawbacks, Ricketts also admitted it could lead to players being available who may not have been under the old system.

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“At the same time there might be one or two players that become available after that weren’t before, so you’re trying to keep space back in your squad for that one extra something special to come in.  That’s why you try to keep one or two loan players back.”

Salop got their season off to a fine start this weekend, beating promotion hopefuls Portsmouth 1-0 at the New Meadow.

The Verdict

The former Everton trainee is certainly a player who would be suited to a loan move. He's got England youth honours but hasn't managed to force his way into the squad at Ashton Gate. He needs some senior football to begin to reach his potential.

Ricketts is right about the transfer window to a degree; it is a new dynamic. I think it's much better for clubs in the lower divisions, it gives them time to pick over some players that might not have been available to them under the old system.

The only issue is how far into the season the window goes. It is disruptive, but it will also allow further flexibility through August.

Ricketts won't be the only manager hoping players don't make a move today, making them available to League One clubs.