Walsall contract talks stall with O'Donnell
Walsall manager Dean Smith has confirmed contract talks with star goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell have stalled because of his agent.
The talented shot-stopper is out of the contract at the end of the season but Smith has made it clear he wants to keep his number one at the Banks's Stadium.
Talks on a new deal began in February, with O'Donnell publicly stating he didn't expect any problems and that he wanted to extend his stay.
But the Saddlers No 1, who has been an ever-present since joining from Chesterfield in 2013, is yet to sign with Smith blaming his agent's travelling arrangements.
Smith said: "The talks with Richard have been going on for two months. His agent is a bit of a traveller in all honesty, in Australia and Denmark.
"We are trying to get a deal sorted out with him but it is proving quite hard.
"At the end of the day all we can do is offer the best possible deal we can give him and it is up to Richard to decide what he wants to do."
Two players who Smith hasn't got any worries about remaining with the Saddlers next season are Jordan Cook and Anthony Forde, who are both under contract.
Neither player took part in pre-season at the start of this campaign with Cook injured and Forde's move from Wolves being completed after the season had started.
Meanwhile, Smith has praised his defence with the Saddlers keeping a clean sheet in each of their last four games.
He said: "The record of not conceding goals is outstanding. That is not just the back five but the team. They work hard from the front to the back, everyone is playing their part."
