Merson reveals Seaman move

Walsall manager Paul Merson has revealed he made an attempt to bring former Arsenal and England team-mate David Seaman out of retirement.

The Bescot Stadium boss was desperate to find suitable goalkeeping cover for Friday's FA Cup first round tie at non-league side Merthyr Tydfil - a match that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

The Saddlers have lost Andy Oakes for up to six weeks with a hand injury, while Premiership club Sunderland have refused Walsall permission to play on-loan keeper Joe Murphy in Friday's tie.

The predicament has seen Merson make a move to sign Seaman, 42, for a one-off appearance but his attempts failed to bear fruit.

"Clubs don't want to loan goalkeepers out and get them cup-tied," Merson told the club's official website.

"I can totally understand it, so that is why I turned my attentions to experienced keepers who are without clubs and could just come in for this one game and do a job.

"David is someone I obviously know well from my time at Arsenal - I contacted his agent, but unfortunately he took out insurance when he retired that means he can't play again."

The situation means the League One club are likely to play teenage custodian Rene Gilmartin on Friday.