Charlton Athletic still trying to secure Alfie Doughty on new terms – winger can sign pre-contract in January

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic are still trying to get Alfie Doughty to sign a new deal – with the flying winger able to sign a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January 1.

Celtic made multiple bids for the 20-year-old before the Scottish transfer window closed.

Doughty is out of contract at the end of June but the compensation due to the Addicks will drop significantly if he opts to make a cross-border move.

Charlton rejected offers from domestic clubs and the SPL giants for Doughty, who has missed the last eight League One matches after tearing his hamstring.

“All I can tell you is that we’re trying [to get him to sign],” said Addicks manager Lee Bowyer. “Steve Gallen [director of football] is speaking to his agent. As a club we want him to sign. We know the situation with Alfie and that he can go cross-border. We know, because Joe Aribo did that.

“But, for me, that wouldn’t be the right thing for Alfie to do. Albie [Morgan] and Ashley [Maynard-Brewer] have both signed new contracts – two young lads who have been given a chance to be in the first team.

“We put Alfie in the same bracket. We gave him a chance last season, so we expect a bit of loyalty. The offers we’ve made are good – but we can only control so much.”