‘He should stay’: Manager urges star man to reject Celtic, confirms Hoops interest

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Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has confirmed Celtic’s interest in Alfie Doughty but, speaking to London News Online, has urged the winger to stay at the Valley for another 12 months at least.

The London-born youngster has yet to make his 30th appearance in the Football League but is already the Addicks’ most dangerous attacking weapon, attracting admiring glances from elsewhere after a breakthrough year in Charlton red.

Scottish champions Celtic are eyeing a bargain £750,000 deal for Doughty in the knowledge his contract is due to expire next summer (The Sun, 6 September, page 63).

But with Moi Elyounoussi and Mikey Johnston already fighting for a place on the left side of Celtic’s attack, Bowyer believes this would be the wrong time for Doughty to walk away from his south east London home.

“We did turn down an offer from Celtic,” Bowyer said after the Hoops scouted his prized asset during Saturday’s 3-1 EFL Cup victory against Swindon Town .

“And they were at the game at the weekend, from what I understand.

“In an ideal world, and this is just me speaking on how I would advise Alfie, it would be for him to sign another deal and do another year – do a full season with us.

“If he stays with us for another season he will improve more, because he has improved lots since he has been with us.

“I know what agents are like – they want to take them out. They think about what can be earned money-wise and not about the kid’s development – because he needs developing.

“So I think he should stay, sign and do a full season with us – improve more and then see what is on the table for him. Because if he goes somewhere now the likelihood is he ain’t really going to play. He isn’t going to benefit from that.”

Interestingly, some of Doughty’s most eye-catching performances last season came in a buccaneering left-back role rather than on the wing.

Perhaps Celtic boss Neil Lennon sees a versatile, quicksilver wideman as an ideal addition for his favoured 3-5-2 formation, with Boli Bolingoli out of favour and Greg Taylor lacking attacking pizzazz.