Palmer opts to stay on at Walsall

Chris Palmer has been a versatile performer since signing in August 2008

Walsall utility defender Chris Palmer has resolved his contract issue with the Saddlers and opted to stay at Bescot until the end of the season.

Palmer's existing contract was due to expire on Saturday.

And, although new boss Chris Hutchings wanted to take up the option to extend the deal by a further six months, Palmer was initially after more money.

Meanwhile, German midfielder Marco Reich, 31, who also signed a six-month deal in the summer, has left the club.

The much-travelled former Derby County and Crystal Palace man, who began his career in Germany with Kaiserslautern, FC Cologne and Werder Bremen, has been linked with a return to his home country.

He scored three times for the Saddlers, most recently from the penalty spot in the defeat at Tranmere over Christmas. But, of his 21 appearances for Walsall, 12 were from the bench.

Walsall have released Austrian goalkeeper Albin Kajtezovic after his short-term deal expired.

As for 25-year-old Palmer, a free transfer after being released by Wycombe in August, he is now back in the frame for selection for Saturday's home game with Leeds United.

The Walsall boss's options ahead of the weekend have also been boosted by the return to training of Rhys Weston and Stephen Hughes.

Weston has been out since the end of 2008 with a hamstring injury, while Hughes' groin strain has kept him out of the last seven matches.