Charlton could make quick call on triallist – with other clubs making offers to released Bournemouth defender

Charlton are set to make a quick decision on whether to sign former Bournemouth defender Chris Francis, with boss Dean Holden revealing that there is rival interest in the 20-year-old.

Francis played as the left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence in yesterday’s 4-0 friendly win at Welling United.

He featured for the opening 45 minutes before Holden changed to an entirely new 11 for the second half.

Francis was released by the Cherries earlier in the summer.

The ex-Swindon Town youngster was signed for Bournemouth’s development squad in July 2022 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Weymouth.

“There was a conversation I had with someone in the off-season, just an opportunity to have a look at Chris,” Holden told the South London Press. “You can see he’s got a great profile, in terms of his size and his mobility.

“He is a left-sided centre-back and we have not got many of them in the club. Just as importantly if we did act on it he wouldn’t be blocking any pathway with that left foot on him.

“He has been with us all week and shown up really well. At Bournemouth he went into a non-league loan after the January transfer window closed, those were his only loan options available to him.

“He can be pleased with his week’s work.”

Charlton are back in friendly action at Dartford next weekend.

Asked if Francis will continue training with the League One club, Holden said: “There’s a conversation to be had, in that there are one or two other clubs that have got wind of it and who are putting offers to him.

“I think we might have to make a decision on that quite quickly this week. We’ll see how the conversations go.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD