However, the Saddlers boss accepts he may have to release players before being abe to finance a deal.
"I spoke to Steve at the weekend and he is still very interested in coming," Merson told the Express and Star.
"We are talking about a top, top international player here with experience and a presence in the dressing room. I would love to get him.
"He knows what kind of money I have to offer here and that is not a problem.
"But there are other clubs interested and the fact is that, in order to finance his deal, we would have to lose players."