Exclusive – Charlton transfer chief on speculation surrounding striker Macauley Bonne and goalkeeper Dillon Phillips

EXCLUSIVE

Charlton have had no bids for Macauley Bonne – and director of football Steve Gallen has made it clear he hopes it stays that way.

The 24-year-old striker has been linked with Burnley, Fulham and Norwich City.

Bonne netted 11 times for the Addicks in the Championship last season after a cut-price switch from Leyton Orient, then in the National League, in June 2019.

“I’ve not had one club ring me about Macauley,” said Gallen. “He might think that sounds negative – but I’m not being negative.

“I don’t want Macauley to go – no chance. I think he can go and score 15-20 goals in this division. He had a great return last season – 11 goals in the Championship having come from non-league.

“I don’t want Macauley to go and neither does Lee Bowyer. We’re really pleased no-one has made an offer.”

There are Championship clubs interested in goalkeeper Dillon Phillips. The 24-year-old is a free agent in June.

“No-one has been telling me we have to sell him,” said Gallen. “His situation is a bit different in that he has only got one year left.

“I know that Dillon and his agent have said they won’t sign a contract.

“But again I don’t want to lose Dillon Phillips and neither does Lee Bowyer.

“If anyone has come to us about players I have gone straight back with ‘they are not for sale’. We don’t want to be selling anyone because we want to be challenging at the top.”

PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS