Charlton Athletic boss Bowyer provides update on contract negotiations

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Charlton Athletic are still plugging away at contract negotiations with a number of their squad – even though the transfer window is open.

The Addicks added to their ranks last week with the signing of Crystal Palace’s Jonny Williams on a six-month deal.

And manager Lee Bowyer could add up toanother three players this month before the deadline passes.

But the Addicks boss says that bringing in quality to aid the club’s promotion push has not stopped them trying to secure key players on extended terms.

Tariqe Fosu (pictured right), Joe Aribo, Karlan Grant, Dillon Phillips, George Lapslie and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild are all out of contract at the end of June. Left-back Lewis Page signed a new 18-month deal before the end of 2018.

And Bowyer says the SE7 outfit have never closed the lines of communication.

“We’re always talking to them,” he said. “Steve Gallen [head of recruitment] is constantly in contact with all of them.

“We’re still negotiating – but it’s tough. They want what they want, we’ve got a budget and have got to try to work to that budget.

“It takes time. I’d love to say it doesn’t but unfortunately that is the case. It is not that simple. You are constantly asking ‘what do you want’ and negotiating.”

Bowyer says he does not find the transfer window stressful. He explained: “No, because I know what type of player that I want. It can annoy you when agents chuck in players that are not even close to coming to us.

“We have got standards and all the players here are very, very good in different ways. Some of the names mentioned are not ready. I understand it is just agents doing their job.

“Steve has been busy out at games looking at who can come in and make us better.”

IMAGE BY PAUL EDWARDS