Charlton boss Lee Bowyer makes Lyle Taylor plea ahead of January transfer window

Lee Bowyer is not shocked that Lyle Taylor is being linked with a host of clubs – but hopes Charlton hold on to the talismanic striker at least until the summer.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of June and has been linked with Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City ahead of next month’s transfer window.

East Street Investments, who have agreed a takeover deal with Addicks owner Roland Duchatelet but still need EFL approval, have indicated privately that they want to secure Taylor on extended terms.

Brentford failed with multiple bids for the former AFC Wimbledon forward in the summer and once again the Championship outfit’s resolve not to part with a vital cog in their team could be tested.

“I’d only be surprised if there wasn’t interest in Lyle,” said Addicks boss Bowyer. “You knew that was going to happen.

“We were hoping to have him signed up coming up to January but that hasn’t been the case yet. Hopefully that will change between now and January. If it doesn’t then hopefully we’ll keep him until the summer – because we need him.”

Bowyer met with ESI’s Matt Southall on Thursday for two hours to discuss their plans.

The Charlton manager said: “A lot of positive things were said.

“What I will echo is that the sooner it happens, the better – for everybody. Because we need to know what we’re working with and who to go to, that’s the hardest thing.

“Steve [Gallen, head of recruitment] is still going to Roland but these other people have come in saying ‘do this and do that’.”

PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS