Prem pair seal Saddlers deals

Aston Villa's Conor Taylor and West Brom's Paul Downing have both agreed terms after successful trials. Striker Taylor, 18, was a key member of Villa's youth squad while defender Downing, 20, has enjoyed vital first-team experience with loan spells at a host of Football League clubs. "Connor is a young lad who has really impressed us since the start of pre-season. He's got bags of pace and ability and is a player of real potential," Walsall boss Dean Smith told the club's official website. "Paul is a player that I have seen in action on numerous occasions in recent years. He's had a good schooling at West Bromwich Albion. "He has really impressed us over the past few weeks and is a player that we feel we can really develop. He's composed on the ball, strong in the air and is generally a good defender."