Walsall boss Mat Sadler opens up on Nathan Lowe amid Stoke City recall speculation
Mat Sadler says he is hopeful Nathan Lowe will remain at Walsall after January but insists the club are prepared for any eventuality.
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Speculation surrounding Lowe's future in January has intensified over the past week with reports suggesting Stoke City are considering recalling him in the winter.
Lowe extended his tally to 14 goals across all competitions with the opening goal of Walsall's 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers at Bescot on Boxing Day.
The striker, who arrived on a season-long loan from the Bet365 Stadium in August, has netted nine of his 11 goals in the league in his last 12 outings.
Walsall's latest win, which was their fifth in a row in League Two, extended their lead at the summit to nine points.
On the speculation, Sadler said: "We've got a fantastic relationship with Stoke. Nathan is doing great and hopefully they see the benefit of what we're doing with Nathan for the long-term.
"We just keep working and whatever happens in that sense, it is what it is. We will still continue to keep that relationship strong."
Walsall were stung by Danny Johnson's return to Mansfield Town under Michael Flynn in 2023 and suffered another blow when Freddie Draper was recalled by Lincoln City earlier this year.
Draper was swiftly replaced by Josh Gordon and Mo Faal on the loan market and Sadler is adamant that plans are in place in the unfortunate case of any departures.
He added: "Josh Gordon is a good one to mention because he won't be too far off himself but of course there are plans.
"We try and prepare for every eventuality whatever that looks like and in the window we'll look to strengthen.
"That was always the plan. As we would do in any window, we want to come out of it stronger."
