Sunderland have been handed a boost in their pursuit of George Dobson, with the 21-year-old absent from Walsall's pre-season trip to Poland, as reported by the Express and Star.

The former West Ham man has been the subject of bids this summer, but those have been turned down by manager Darrell Clarke. He's now taken the Saddlers on a pre-season trip to Europe and last season's captain hasn't travelled.

He's not the only one left at home either; Morgan Ferrier is also back in the UK while the squad prepare for the coming season.

"I chatted to both of them before and told them they weren't in the 22-man travelling squad – we'll review that when we get back," said Clarke.

"The players know there were bids that obviously weren't acceptable for the club and turned down. They've both shown a desire they would like to move on and that's where we stand."

He claimed he hasn't had a problem with either player,

"They've been working hard with the youth team this week. I haven't had a problem with the boys' attitude, they haven't given me an ounce of problem."

It's been widely reported that Sunderland hope to add Dobson to their ranks next season as they look to go one better than the play-off final defeat they suffered last season.

They've made two significant signings so far this summer, the latest of which saw former Coventry captain Jordan Willis join the club.

The Verdict

If they're being left at home it does send a clear message to potential suitors; get your bid right and they're yours. It's interesting though as Sunderland are still in the grip of investment talks and probably won't be in a position to offer a big fee.

Is this a boost or a potential blow for the Black Cats? It's a very public statement of availability and if a Championship side decides Dobson is worth the risk, it could leave Sunderland behind in any hunt for his signature.

The next few days will be very interesting indeed as it seems the 21-year-old is set for a move. It's up to the other clubs to make sure they're the ones with the acceptable bids, whether that is Sunderland or another as yet unnamed suitor.