WALSALL are expected to target out-of-favour Saints winger Jonathan Forte during the January transfer window.

Saints manager Nigel Adkins returned to Scunthorpe to sign Forte for an undisclosed fee at the end of last January.

But, having signed a three-and-half-year contract, Forte has struggled to make an impact in his first year at St Mary’s, making only two league starts.

He has scored four goals in his 14 league and cup appearances, most of which have been as a substitute.

After coming off the bench against MK Dons last April, he scored both goals as Saints came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

And he also scored a couple of goals in the Carling Cup at the beginning of this season. But he was subsequently loaned to Preston North End, from where he has returned after making four appearances – all without scoring – in his month at Deepdale.

Walsall manager Dean Smith sees Forte as the man to boost the League One strugglers’ survival hopes, but he will probably have to settle for a loan move.

Saints will not block a move if they receive the right fee but Walsall, who are yet to make an official approach for Forte, may struggle to fund a permanent signing.