Smith admits Butler interest

Dean Smith insists he would be a "fool" not to be interested in ex-Walsall skipper Andy Butler, but wage demands could scupper a move.

The Saddlers chief has refused to rule out a loan move for the Sheffield United defender - who left the Banks's Stadium in the summer after a successful three-and-a-half-year spell. Former Walsall captain Butler has failed to make a breakthrough at Bramall Lane and will go out on loan now the window has reopened. And Smith would welcome a return for the 30-year-old, although feels the Saddlers would struggle to match his wages. Smith told Press Association Sport: "If Andy Butler came at a price we could afford then I certainly would be interested, I'd be a fool not to, but I have not spoken to Nigel Clough or Sheffield United "He is one who would interest me, definitely, because he's a player I had for a long time and he did really well but I think his wages at Sheffield United may be out of our reach. "He's been circulated by Sheffield United, they want him to go and get some games. He has not featured too much for them apart from the Capital One Cup where he scored." Butler made 176 appearances and scored 14 goals for Walsall after signing on a free transfer in November 2010. The former Scunthorpe and Huddersfield man captained them for three years before joining the Blades on a two-year deal in June. He has made one appearance for United, scoring in their Capital One Cup victory over Mansfield last month.