Richard O'Donnell set for talks at Walsall
Walsall boss Dean Smith was today set for further talks with Richard O'Donnell as the goalkeeper nears a decision on his future.
The Saddlers Player of the Season is yet to confirm whether he will accept the club's offer of a new two-year contract amid mounting speculation he could be heading elsewhere.
Smith remains in the dark as to the 26-year-old's intentions, but expects the situation to be resolved sooner rather than later.
The manager said: "Richard wanted to wait until the end of the season. Now it is a case of touching base with him and seeing where the land lies.
"It won't drag on. I'm sure if he has something lined up elsewhere, they will want him to be signed up and announced.
"As far as we are concerned, we have done everything we can to keep him. But at the same time we have been preparing for life without him because his agent indicated that might be the case."
O'Donnell had made 105 consecutive appearances for the Saddlers since joining in July 2013,before being left out of the club's final two games, with youngster Craig MacGillivray preferred.
The club made an initial offer in November before returning with improved terms in February.
"I'm still hopeful (he will stay)," continued Smith. "All the indications are that he has not made his mind up."
In addition to O'Donnell, the Saddlers are now in discussions with a host of out-of-contract players after announcing their released and retained list earlier this week.
Deals with teenage trio Liam Kinsella, Amadou Bakayoko and Jordan Murphy could be sealed quickly, as the club have options to retain their services for a further year.
With more senior players, Smith accepts he may have to be more patient but he is confident of retaining the men he wants.
He said: "The players have four weeks before they have to get back to us, after we have made the offer."
