Paul Downing & Connor Taylor sign one-year deals for Walsall

Walsall have signed ex-West Bromwich Albion youngster Paul Downing on a one-year deal, as well as Connor Taylor, following his release by Aston Villa.

Defender Downing, 20, who briefly made Albion's first team bench in 2009, was out of contract after loan spells with four different clubs.

"He is a player we feel we can really develop," said Walsall boss Dean Smith.

Striker Taylor, 18, was a regular in Villa's youth and reserve teams before being released by the club in May.

"He's got bags of pace and ability and is a player of real potential," added Smith.

"We won't be rushing him, we will develop him the right way and hopefully he will step up to the plate for us."