Charlton Athletic continue to work towards a new deal for a key defender amid reported transfer interest in his services.
Charlton Athletic has had a tumultuous week, with Ian Evatt being sacked following a feisty 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Lloyd Jones and Karoy Anderson scored to help the Addicks come from behind and win. Nathan Jones’ side is in terrific form and will go to Shrewsbury Town this weekend, inspired by recent successes.
Your Friday League One round-up includes the Addicks, Wycombe Wanderers, and Oxford United.
Charlton Athletic confident of new Lloyd Jones contract
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones remains’very hopeful’ that the club will agree on a contract extension with Lloyd Jones this month, putting an end to rumours of his departure from The Valley.
Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United have both expressed interest in the centre-back, who is having an excellent season with the Addicks. Jones has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers this week.
The former Cambridge United and Northampton Town player’s contract with Charlton Athletic is set to expire this summer. That would allow Jones to go as a free agent, which has sparked the interest of League One opponents, should the Addicks be forced to cash in now rather than risk losing money at the conclusion of the season.
When asked for an update on the player’s contract status, Jones told the South London Press: “We’re in talks with Lloyd. Lloyd wants to stay. We love Lloyd…I adore Lloyd. I enjoy working with Lloyd and am confident he does as well.We have a good relationship, so I don’t believe that has anything to do with it. Obviously, he is in fantastic shape, so that is the sticking point at the moment. But I’m optimistic we’ll find a solution soon because he’s vital to us.
“We have to remember that he is now playing his greatest football. I took him to Luton, and while he didn’t have a bad time, it wasn’t as fruitful as he had hoped because he was behind Matty Pearson and Sonny Bradley, two more experienced and very good centre-halves.
“So he needed to be patient. Now he’s here, and he’s claimed that position. He has become a leader. He has added goals, and his maturity is showing. I’m particularly enjoying his performances and the leadership characteristics he’s demonstrating, which we always knew Lloyd Jones possessed.”
Wycombe Wanderers sent second Luton Town bid
Wycombe Wanderers are facing another proposal from Championship side Luton Town, as Matt Bloomfield attempts to lure Richard Kone to Kenilworth Road.
The Chairboys had already rejected a bid from Luton Town for the 21-year-old, but transfer guru Pete O’Rourke claims that another offer has been made to Adams Park. The journalist took to social networking platform X and stated, “Understand Luton have made a new improved bid for Wycombe striker Richard Kone after seeing their first offer rejected.”
Kone has 14 League One goals this season as Wycombe Wanderers battle for promotion to the Championship. The Ivorian joined the club in January 2024 and signed a contract extension in November, with his current agreement not expiring until 2026.
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