CELTIC have had a THIRD bid rejected for Charlton Athletic midfielder Alfie Doughty.
The 20-year-old left-sided player has been on the champions’ wanted list for the past couple of months.
However, the English third-tier club have stubbornly knocked back three offers from the Hoops and they now face Doughty walking away for nothing at the end of the season when he becomes a free agent.
Neil Lennon can sign the talented youngster on a pre-contract in January and the London outfit, who have said no to proposals rising to a reported £800,000, will be entitled to a cross-border fee for Doughty that will be in the £200,000 region.
Addicks boss Lee Bowyer admitted the champions had another approach dismissed and, speaking to London News online, said: “They made another offer last week, as far as I’m aware. I don’t know if it was verbal or actually on paper, but it wasn’t enough, whatever it was.
“We get compensation even if Alfie goes cross border in the summer. We have to weigh up the pros and cons if Alfie goes, we’d need someone ready to replace him.
“There is a club that is interested in this country, as well. And it works the same way – what are they prepared to pay? If it’s right, we’ll consider it. However, we don’t want to sell Alfie, of course we don’t. In an ideal world, Alfie signs the contract and keeps progressing.
“He ain’t the finished article, for sure. In my eyes, he should stay, sign his contract and crack on.”
The Parkhead side watched Doughty in action again during Charlton’s goalless draw with Sunderland at The Valley at the weekend.
