Charlton Athletic boss responds to speculation over Glasgow Rangers chasing Karlan Grant

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer is not aware of any official approach for Karlan Grant after the in-form Charlton Athletic striker was linked this week with Rangers.

The 21-year-old has 13 goals for the Addicks and the Scottish press are claiming the Glasgow giants want to secure him on a pre-contract agreement. Grant’s current deal only runs until June.

Charlton have been trying to negotiate an extension.

Addicks boss Bowyer said: “I’ve only heard the story that Rangers are interested. I’m not aware of anything official.

“There have been a couple of other clubs interested in a couple of our players, but again we’ve not really had anything concrete yet. 

“It’s difficult for Karlan because he has done well and has improved so much in a short space of time – because he has only got until the summer left [on his contract] he is weighing up his options.

“With all the players, not just Karlan, we can’t make them sign new deals. All we can do is offer the best we can in our position as a football club – we’re in League One and have to be realistic.

“We can’t just chuck stupid money around to players. We have to think of the football club as well.

“Karlan hadn’t started games for this football club for a long, long time and his career was a bit stale. I think we’ve given him the chance and he’s grabbed it.

“Interest in our players is natural when the team is doing so well.” 

IMAGE BY PAUL EDWARDS