Cambridge boss rules out chance of landing Charlton loanee permanently

Cambridge United head coach Mark Bonner has ruled out the chance of landing Charlton Athletic loanee Conor McGrandles on a permanent deal.

McGrandles joined Charlton in the summer under Ben Garner, penning a three-year deal with the South Londoners.

The ex-Lincoln midfielder only made 12 appearances in all competitions for the Addicks before joining League One rivals Cambridge on loan in January until the end of the season.

McGrandles has made 14 appearances at the Abbey Stadium under Bonner.

“Absolutely none. People have to understand the market we live in – it isn’t that one, unfortunately,” Bonner told the Cambridge Independent about whether The U’s could make a permanent move for McGrandles.

“We can get players like that on loan potentially for a short-term period of time, but the likelihood of signing people with long-term contracts at other clubs is very, very difficult.

“We had an unbelievable January window and that needs to be respected. The investment that was made and the strengthening of the squad has been exceptional.

“He’s a top, top player in League One and it will be very difficult for us to sign someone like that permanently and buy someone of that sort of nature.

“Unfortunately that isn’t the market we live in but the summer is a long way off. He’s an excellent player, let’s enjoy him while he’s here and hope he’s as good in the next five games as he has been in the last five.”