ALFIE: CELTIC LINE UP FINAL BID

CELTIC are poised to slap in a final take-it-or-leave-it offer for Charlton midfielder Alfie Doughty.

The 20-year-old left-sided performer has already been the subject of two failed bids from the nine-in-a-row champions, the last believed to be in the region of £650,000 with add-ons.

The Hoops are prepared to put a final proposal to the English League One side before the transfer deadline a week on Monday.

The Parkhead hierarchy will up the ante, but they are not willing to pay over the odds for Doughty who is out of contract in nine months’ time and can sign a pre-contract in January.

That would mean the London outfit picking up something in the region of £200,000 in a cross-border deal for the youngster who appears to be keen on making the switch to Scotland’s title kings.

Addicks gaffer Lee Bowyer has previously admitted that £1million might not be enough, but the Hoops are unlikely to go that high.

The move for Doughty could get the go-ahead with Charlton’s off-the-field financial battles now settled – if they make an acceptable offer.

Danish-American businessman Thomas Sandgaard was finally confirmed as the club’s new owner last night and he warned potential suitors that players would not be sold on the cheap.

He told Sky Sports: “That stops right here. Period.

“Of course, if the price is right, we have sufficient replacement and Lee thinks it’s a responsible move, in terms of the squad, we’ll do it.

“But, otherwise, we’ll be conservative. We’re not going to sell players just to pay the wages of the staff or a tax bill, if something like that comes up.

“We’re not selling players for that reason. We’re only selling players if, financially, it makes sense, if it’s an offer that’s good enough and how hard we need to keep them on board.”

Neil Lennon, who has also been linked with Leeds United’s Scotland international left-back Barry Douglas, is determined to solve his No.3 problem before the window closes.

He needs competition for Greg Taylor with blundering Boli Bolingoli offloaded to Turkish side Basaksehir on loan for the season.