HUDDERSFIELD TOWN are ready to test Walsall’s resolve with a fresh offer for winger Jamie Paterson.
Although both clubs are remaining tight-lipped on the matter, sources suggest the West Midlands side have rejected an initial £750,000 bid for the 21-year-old.
But Town are set to persevere on a player who fits their profile of a young, emerging talent who could both develop his career and help take the club forward as they prepare for a second season in the Championship.
Coventry-born Paterson, who was an ever-present last season and scored 12 goals in the League I campaign, has a year to go on his current contract at the Banks’s Stadium.
Walsall boss Dean Smith wants to tie down their academy product on a longer deal, but knows the player is attracting plenty of interest and could provide a useful cash windfall.
Town chief Mark Robins, a former Walsall striker, has been tracking Paterson closely since his time in charge at Coventry.
And it’s believed he is keen to bring him to the John Smith’s Stadium and provide hot competition for current wide players Sean Scannell and Danny Ward.
Paterson was handed his senior debut by former Town player Chris Hutchings in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at home to Chesterfield in August 2010.
He ended that season with two starts and 15 appearances in all, and the following campaign, scored his first goal in the 1-1 draw at Town.
Considered one of a trio of marquee Walsall players alongside frontmen Will Grigg and Fabian Brandy, Paterson has a career total of 102 games, 79 of them starts, and 16 goals.
