Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer provides update on transfer window signings attempts

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer says that everyone at Charlton Athletic is working hard to make signings in the January transfer window.

The Addicks have seen their numbers depleted this week as Conor Gallagher was recalled by Chelsea and sent straight back out on loan to Swansea City.

And Charlton always wanted to cancel Beram Kayal’s stay after an injury-hit temporary switch from Brighton. That happened earlier this week as well.

West Brom striker Jonathan Leko’s knee injury ended his campaign and also his time in SE7.

Gallagher is a significant blow as the England U21 international has been one of their brightest performers and a mainstay of Bowyer’s team.

The only deal done this month has been Andre Green arriving from Aston Villa from the remainder of the season.

Charlton had been in negotiations with Peterborough’s Marcus Maddison but have not been able to agree terms with the 26-year-old, who is a free agent at the end of June.

They also want Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty but reports today suggest he is on the verge of joining Sunderland.

Bowyer said: “We’re all working hard to make deals happen.

“We all recognise that we need players in because we are two down on our loans. Leko went back and Andre came in. Kayal has gone back and Conor has gone back – so we’re two down from where we were.

“We all recognise that – myself, Steve Gallen [director of football] and the chairman [Matt Southall] – and are working hard for that to happen.

“I was sitting at home yesterday and we’re all on the phone. We’re trying but it is difficult in January, whatever way you want to look at it, it’s tough.”

PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS