Mark Cooper is interested in replacing Dean Smith as Walsall manager, according to Sky Sports.
Walsall lost Smith after he spent five years at The Bank’s stadium, when he took up the job at Championship side Brentford yesterday.
The former Swindon manager left the County Ground last month and is therefore available to be spoken to by interested parties.
He struggled this season but impressed in his time at The Robins, taking them to last seasons play off final where they were beaten by a strong Preston North End side.
Cooper is believed to be interested in the Walsall job, although according to Press Association Sport, Chesterfield have already made contact with him over their managerial vacancy.
The Spireites parted company with manager Dean Saunders after losing heavily to Cooper’s ex club, Swindon, at the weekend.
However, Cooper is apparently interested in taking over a Walsall side who are just three points off top in League One, ahead of tonights trip to Shrewsbury.
Coopers style is likely to appeal to The Saddlers board, after he developed Massimo Luongo, Ben Gladwin and Nathan Byrne in his time at the helm of Swindon.
He built a reputation for stylish football on a low budget, something which Walsall are keen to replicate.
Walsall’s development coach John Ward will take charge of the side in Tuesday’s game in Shropshire, although he is not expected to be offered the job on a full time basis.
Walsall have been outstanding in League One this season and currently lie in 4th, just three points off top.
Chesterfield, who plan to hold talks with Cooper, currently lie in 16th place, only one point above Swindon, Coopers old team.
