2005.07.31. 16:45:24
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly has revealed he came close to signing for Newcastle.
The Hungarian shot-stopper joined The Eagles last summer on a free transfer and was a revelation between the sticks at Selhurst Park despite The Eagles ultimately being relegated.
His form reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal, and after losing their top-flight status it was thought he could move on.
Kiraly himself has revealed that he was the subject of interest from West Ham and Portsmouth as well as Newcastle.
He admits he would jump at the chance to make an immediate return to The Premiership but was left frustrated as Palace priced him out of a move by demanding £4 million.
However, he insists he is happy to remain at Selhurst Park because Palace have demonstrated their determination to achieve promotion to him.
Of the interest from Newcastle, he told Nemzeti Sport: "It's true, and they only cancelled their offer when Shay Given put a pen to his new contract.
"If he hadn't then I'd have been his successor. He stayed so I did the same."
He then went on reveal that West Ham and Portsmouth had both made enquiries for him.
"My club (Palace) had long talks with West Ham but finally Palace rejected the offer because they were asking too much for me.
"It (a move to Portsmouth) was a real possibility too but finally they signed Sander Westerveld."
Kiraly is now convinced he will be staying put, especially as Palace have not now decided to bring another goalkeeper to the club.
Both Shaka Hislop and Marco Ambrosio had trials recently, but, with neither having signed on, he expects to remain in South London and is certain England marksman Andy Johnson will be doing the same.
"Last week from Monday until Saturday two goalkeepers, Shaka Hislop and Marco Ambrosio were on trial and I suppose if they were here then Palace are having talks with them," he continued.
"Now neither of them are at the club. I asked our goalkeeping trainer about it and he said I wouldn't be sold and they wouldn't buy a new shot-stopper.
"I have some offers but our president has stated an unrealistic transfer fee for me. Who would pay 4 million pounds for me? I think nobody.
"But I think they wouldn't even let me go now even if a team did pay this price.
"In my opinion that's the same with Andy Johnson - there was an offer of 10 million pounds for him and our president said that it's useless to try and get him.
"The club want the team to stay together, they are building new offices, pitches, gyms - I don't think they would be doing it only to remain an average team.
"I wouldn't be disappointed if I stayed here.
"If there's any offer then I'd love to go to The Premier League, but my future depends on the club too.
"If they allow me, then I'd go, if not then I'll stay and I won't be sad."
Meanwhile, Palace are thought to be trying to secure Arsenal starlet David Bentley on a season-long loan.
The midfielder spent last term on a similar deal at Norwich and Arsene Wenger is believed to be keen for him to garner more first-team experience.
However, The Eagles' hopes may well rest on the outcome of Robin van Persie's rape case in Holland with Wenger unlikely to let Bentley leave if he is denied van Persie's services.
"Nekünk nem az számit,hogy mi kik vagyunk...Hanem hogy játsszunk szenvedéllyel... És nem az számit, hogy mi van a mezünk hátulján, hanem az, hogy mi van a mez elején... Ami a mez elején van név sokkal fontosabb, mint ami a hátulján van..."
reál
úgy látom,hogy megvan a Maxi Rodriguez utódja!jó kis játékos ez a Zabaleta
