Cherries: Jalal contract talks halted

STAR stopper Shwan Jalal revealed his contract talks had stalled and told Cherries: The ball is in your court. Jalal has one year remaining on his current deal and, as things stand, would be entitled to leave on a free transfer next summer. He confirmed he had held discussions with Cherries and had rejected two offers since the end of last season. Cherries, who have already seen senior players Danny Hollands and Jason Pearce head for the Dean Court exit, will be desperate not to lose Jalal. He has been an integral member of the squad since being signed by Kevin Bond in 2008 and made 48 appearance last term. News that the 27-year-old has yet to reach an agreement with Cherries could alert potential suitors, with Watford previously rumoured to have showed interest. But the former Tottenham Hotspur trainee insisted he remained fully committed and was happy to listen to further offers from Cherries. He told the Daily Echo: I am in the last year of my contract so both myself and the club are keen to do something. Unfortunately, we couldn't come to an agreement which was a shame. I have not said that I want to leave Bournemouth or anything like that, but I felt that I wanted to be rewarded for how I have done over the time I have been here. Unfortunately, at the minute, nothing has been agreed. The ball is in Bournemouth's court and I am happy to listen to what they have got to say. In the meantime, I will carry on giving 100 per cent for Bournemouth as I usually do. But it is disappointing that nothing has come of the talks. Cherries supporters will be hoping for a swift and positive outcome as Jalal is the only experienced goalkeeper on the club's books. With rookie Dan Thomas set for a season-long loan at Blue Square South side Dorchester Town and Cherries looking for another keeper to challenge Jalal for the number one spot, time is of the essence. Jalal, who joined Cherries from Peterborough, added: I am grateful to Bournemouth for giving me the opportunity to prove myself. I have not gone to see the chairman demanding a transfer or anything like that and in all fairness to Bradders and the chairman, they have been trying to persuade me to extend my contract for some time now, but I also accept the financial realities involved. I am in the club's hands and if they wish to accept an offer for me before my contract expires, then no doubt we will deal with it as and when.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo