Vicente Guaita exit rumours quashed by Roy Hodgson

BY SAM SMITH

Roy Hodgson has denied rumours that Vicente Guaita is headed for the Crystal Palace exit door at the end of the season.

The goalkeeper, 34, had been linked with a move to Real Sociedad by the Spanish press – who have claimed that his contract with the Eagles expires at the end of the season.

Players are able to sign pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs from the January of the year that their deal expires. Guaita’s move to Palace from Getafe in 2018 happened in a similar way.

Although contrary to those reports, it is believed that Guaita recently signed fresh terms to keep him at Selhurst Park beyond the current campaign.

Hodgson said: “I can’t clear up that [rumour], no. That’s a new one for me.

“I wasn’t even aware, quite frankly, that his contract was running out. I was under the impression that he was under contract to us, but I’ll have to check that one up I’m afraid.

“Maybe you (the media) would like to check it up as well, because he might not be in a position to sign a pre-contract with anyone.”