Charlton boss Bowyer could have his contract sorted out this weekend
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer will see the terms of a five-year contract he wants sorted this weekend.
The Addicks boss had been told by new chairman Matt Southall they will not talk about his deal until the end of this month’s transfer window.
But an ultimatum from the 43-year-old has brought forward the offer from the club’s new board and the terms could be discussed as early as tomorrow.
Bowyer had already been asked by one possible signing whether the former Leeds star will still be in charge if he agrees to come to the Valley.
Pivotal striker Lyle Taylor also wants a deal for the manager sorted, says Bowyer.
The Valley manager, whose contract ends in June, said on Thursday morning: “I want to put it to bed. Everyone knows I want to be at the club.
“I want Matt and my agent Rob Segal – who is coming to the West Brom home game tomorrow – to put a contract together this weekend.
“There is no reason why they can’t. They are both in the same place.
“Matt has told me that is what they will do.
“There is no reason to wait until the end of the month when they are sitting in front of each other.
“I met a player on Wednesday night and when I do, their first question is ‘How long are you going to be there?’
“No one wants to sign for a club if the manager’s future is not clear – because if he goes, he might not like the new one, but he is stuck there for three years.”
At a press conference on Thursday Bowyer added: “Unfortunately my agent is in Los Angeles.”I did hear it is five years, which is a positive thing. I am happy with that.
“I would sign today if it is the right deal. It is a positive thing that something has been sent across.
“The chairman is saying he wants it to happen, so the most important thing is we agree and can put it to bed.”
Cardiff approached Bowyer to take over as boss in November – though Bowyer would not confirm it was them who wanted him in their hotseat.
“When there was an approach for me, Matt said ‘Don’t go – you are a big part of our ambitions. We want you to stay.’
“That is what he said before.
“I have no doubt we will sort it out. Now is the right time to do it.”
Southall told BBC Radio London: “Lee was a fundamental part of us buying into this, and wanting to invest in the business.”