Irons player deal hopes rise as talks continue
The Spanish stopper saw the two year option on his present deal triggered in the summer just ahead of Joe Hart’s arrival on loan and Darren Randolph’s £5 million switch to Middlesbrough.
And with his absence from the team over the first part of the season it was becoming more and more apparent that he was looking for a way out of the club.
Whilst on an international break he said during a Spanish radio interview: “The coach is not giving me much ball this year, but the data is there. It only remains to fight. The possibility also to play for the national team when you are not playing also disappears.
“The market will be reopened and an agreement must be reached because I am not happy in this situation.
“Try other leagues? I would not mind. I want to enjoy every Sunday and that is achieved by playing.”
The club has since been negotiating on and off for several months with the 30 year old but have been unable to reach an agreement on a long term deal although hopes are now rising.
ClaretandHugh was told this evening: “He hasn’t been ready to say yes to a deal yet but talks continue and with his return to the first team where he is showing excellent form, the environment is improving to come to an agreement with a player we value highly.”
CandH understands the club would be happy to see the player sign a new four or five year deal.