Boss outlines stance on defender linked with Sunderland and Norwich – and confirms no bids yet for EFL Cup matchwinner

Charlton manager Ben Garner is unaware of any bids for Diallang Jaiyesimi and has underlined his desire to keep Sean Clare.

Winger Jaiyesimi scored the Addicks’ EFL Cup winner at Walsall on Tuesday night. The Southwark-born attacker has attracted interest from Milton Keynes and Milton Keynes.

Garner told the South London Press: “DJ did well, particularly second half midweek. He reacted well in the second half.

“He has got undoubted ability and we probably need to see that on a more consistent basis – that’s the challenge for DJ, because he is wonderfully gifted and physically a very strong player. But now is the stage in his career where he needs to really push on and take that challenge on, we need to help him with that and we’ll try and get the best from him.”

Asked if he expected to lose Jaiyesimi before the transfer window closes on Thursday, Garner replied: “Not at the moment. We’ve had no offers for DJ, as far as I’m aware. It’s the same with every player, if there is an offer comes in for one of our players and I’m made aware – and the owner wants to accept an offer – then that gets put to me.

“But at this moment I haven’t had that, so I’m assuming each player will be here at the end of the window.”

Defender Sean Clare has been linked with Sunderland, Norwich and Huddersfield Town although local media for the latter club have denied that he is a target.

“It’s all news to me, I don’t look at the reports,” said Garner. “Sean has had a really good start to the season and I’m really happy for him. He is a player that I’d be looking to build around for the future of this football club because I think he’s got the right attitude, the right talent and right profile for what we want.

“He’s one, from my perspective, that I’d like to see here for a long time and to help us grow through the leagues and progress as a football club.”