Keates keen to stay at Bescot

Walsall midfielder Dean Keates today revealed he has triggered an option to extend his Saddlers contract into next season.

Keates is waiting for talks with the club over his future but he has already guaranteed himself a new Bescot deal by playing in 20 matches this term.

"My contract is up at the end of the season but there was a clause to say it got re-negotiated after I'd played 20 games this season," he said.

"So the option is there to extend it, but nothing has happened on that yet."I've played my quota of games, so the ball is in the club's court.

"I've had chats with the gaffer and he's told me there's nothing to worry about.

"Whether I'm here next season, I don't know, but I'd like to think so. I've got to wait and see what happens."

Keates is now waiting to hear from the club on the terms of an offer for next season, but the decision on whether he stays or not now rest with the player.

He returned to Walsall for a second spell last January and suffered the nightmare of relegation, but he has played a key role in this season's promotion challenge with a career-high 10 goals and some stirring midfield performances.

"I was offered more money to stay at Lincoln, but turned it down because it wasn't right for my family," said Keates.

"I came back to the club I've supported all my life.

"If I'm here next season, then hopefully I can play my part in taking the club forwards."

Keates has also called on the club to act quickly to tie on-loan winger Kevin Harper down to a permanent deal.

Harper has impressed during his loan spell from Stoke and this week hinted he would be interested in a summer transfer.

"Kevin has come in and scored three goals in six games," said Keates.

"He's played at higher levels, including the Premiership. He's living up the road in Stoke and he's settled there."