Walsall boss Chris Hutchings is hoping wantaway Chris Palmer will be convinced to stay the club despite the winger handing in a transfer request.

The Saddlers have taken up the six-month option to extend the 25-year-old’s deal until the end of the season.

Hutchings said: “Chris had a six-month contract with a six-month option and we’ve taken that option up. He wants a little bit more than that and wants to go on the transfer list, so that’s the situation.

“He signed a six-month deal with a six-month option and we’ve taken it., so he’s got to decide whether he wants to go on the list or not. He’s got his reasons.

“I’ve just come into the club and am picking up the mantle of trying to sort this out. I’m in a position where I’m assessing all the players and hopefully we’ll get it sorted out.”

Should Palmer leave before Monday’s transfer deadline it will leave the Saddlers desperately short of players after Marco Reich’s exit this week.

After shipping three goals at Swindon, Hutchings revealed he was in the market for reinforcements and was optimistic of bringing in a defender before the clash with Leeds.

He said: “You need to be strong at the back and build from there, so that’s one area we’re looking at. We’re trying to get someone in and at this moment in time we’re keeping it quiet, only time will tell.”