Walsall have signed former Reading and Coventry City striker Mathieu Manset, reports the Express and Star. 

The 25-year-old Frenchman has signed a one-year deal with the Saddlers, which could be extended for a further year depending on appearances.

Manset had originally been on trial at the Banks's Stadium but talks had broken down between player and club two weeks ago as the striker wanted a two-year contract.

But now the Frenchman has agreed a deal with the Midlands club after being on trial with a Turkish club until last week.

Saddlers manager Dean Smith told the Express and Star:

“Manset has signed,” said Smith. “He is here for a year or maybe two. It is pleasing because it was a hard work deal to conclude but it is concluded now.

“It was dead at one stage. We stuck to our guns and the principles of the football club but thankfully the chairman has been instrumental in trying to pull it back together.

“I don’t think the deal in Turkey came off for him and he probably saw this as a really good opportunity as well and he didn’t want to miss it.

“It was a mutual thing. We contacted his representatives and he had spoken to them as well. It was a mutual thing of trying to get back together and getting a deal sorted.”

Manset is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday's League One fixture at Scunthorpe United.