League One and Championship sides, including Stockport County and Charlton Athletic, are understood to be interested in a move for Walsall’s Connor Barrett.

The right-back has been a standout for the Saddlers since joining from AFC Fylde last summer, and has picked up where he left off this season.

Playing almost every game for the West Midlands club since joining, the forward-thinking wing-back has been largely touted as one of the division’s best.

Championship and League One Clubs in for Connor Barrett

Tallying nine assists in his first season in the EFL, Barrett has returned two goals in five games so far this season.

Establishing himself as one of Walsall’s biggest sources of goal threat and creativity at the Bescot, his form has not gone unnoticed.

According to reports from Football League World, Charlton Athletic, Stockport County, and Peterborough United are all interested in the full-back’s services.

Although any deal would require a significant fee at this late stage of the transfer window, with the deadline less than a week away.

Which Club Best Suits Walsall’s Connor Barrett?

Charlton Athletic would present a big jump up to Championship level, but at 23, Barrett does have room to grow.

Nathan Jones is still looking to replace Thierry Small, who played a similar position before departing for Preston North End.

Kayne Ramsay and Joshua Edwards have featured in the full-back positions for Charlton so far, but Barrett could provide a different dimension to the Addicks’ backline.

Additionally, it would be no surprise to see Jones plan to play the former Fylde man further forward, as he did with Small.

On the other hand, Stockport County are an interesting prospect for the defender.

Corey O’Keeffe has played every league fixture for County this season and is a very similar profile to Barrett.

However, the right-sided midfielder is only on loan from divisional rivals Barnsley.

While the Irishman is proven to be a top player in the division, a permanent incoming at right-wing back could be a healthy addition to David Challinor’s squad.

Meanwhile, Peterborough United have struggled heavily at the back, but are renowned for bringing talent through the lower divisions.

A move to Peterborough likely promises more game time as well as a more ‘natural’ step up the divisions, while Stockport could provide the platform for the defender to perform at the top end of League One.

What Would this Move Mean for Walsall?

Being amongst the club’s top performers this season, this prospective departure would be a critical blow for Walsall.

Barrett provides an excellent engine down the right-hand side and encapsulates the successes had under Matt Sadler.

Moreover, the club had recently lost exciting loan striker Jonny Stuttle, who returned to Bournemouth after sustaining an injury against Grimsby Town.

If Barrett is to leave, the club would be expected to dip into the transfer market immediately, with the deadline fast approaching.

Walsall do hold the power in this deal, however, with Barrett still having two years left on his deal.

This gives the League Two club every chance to hold out for an excellent profit on the defender.

With the deadline fast approaching, it will be interesting to see if Walsall retain their star man.