Town near deal with stopper Zak Jules

The 20-year-old former Reading man has been eyed up by boss Paul Hurst as Town look to beef their defence for next season.

London-born Jules spent loan spells at National League Braintree Town and Scottish Premiership side Motherwell last season.

Reports suggest he turned down a fresh contract at Reading and was yet to make an appearance for Jaap Stam’s first team.

The left-sided defender stands at six foot three and would prove a real aerial asset to Shrewsbury.

Jules had been highly-regarded at the Madejski Stadium and Stam’s side had been keen to keep hold of the academy product.

As it stands Town have captured three new faces so far this summer, Arthur Gnahoua, Lenell John-Lewis and Jon Nolan.

Shrewsbury conceded 63 League One goals last season. Several of the centre-halves brought in last summer struggled for game time beyond Hurst’s October appointment.

Jules qualified for Scotland at international level and has represented the nation at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level.

Meanwhile Town players returned to training today at the club’s new Sundorne Castle complex after reporting for duty yesterday.

The trio of new additions joined the retained players from last term as the squad carried out gym and ball work in the new facilities near Haughmond Hill.

“We had a quick chat with them and laid out a few expectations,” said Hurst after training.

“We got the footballs out and it was pretty basic but finished on a bit of running which I always like.

“Straight away you see the lads that are athletes and then you see attitudes to it too.

“It’ll be interesting to see what data we get back on that but your eyes don’t fool you.

“We had lads pushing each other out there.

“I think the players enjoyed being back in. It’s kind of like you don’t want it to come around and then it’s a hell of a lot better, there’s a nice new training facility to look at.”