Charlton boss expecting January transfer interest in star striker

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton striker Lyle Taylor will be the subject of interest in the January transfer window – but the League One club must not let him go.

That is the verdict of Addicks manager Lee Bowyer, who saw the former AFC Wimbledon frontman score a hat-trick in Tuesday night’s FA Cup win over Mansfield.

Taylor is on 12 goals for the campaign and comfortably on course to exceed the 18 he plundered for the Dons in 2017-18.“I’ll be surprised if there isn’t any interest because the lad has done well,” said Bowyer, who made him a priority signing on a free in the summer. “But we have to take some credit for that.

“He’s come here and is scoring goals. It shows what we do on the training pitches is working. Obviously we can’t lose him – that’s 100 per cent, because he is going to be a big part of us having a chance of promotion.

“For sure there will be interest, not just in Lyle but others here as well. We’ve got a few who have done well and had good starts to the season.

“What pleased me the other night was Lyle’s work out of possession. He is putting a shift in for the team and that is making him a better player.

“Anyone can stand in the middle and score goals. It is doing the horrible side – winning possession back higher up the pitch – that makes you an all-round striker and then you become more attractive.”

Taylor is suspended for tomorrow’s home game against Bristol Rovers.

Midfielder Darren Pratley (knee) will miss out but Ben Reeves and Jamie Ward should boost options in that area.

“The break from the league has allowed someone like Joe Aribo to recharge his batteries,” said Bowyer.

“Jason Pearce was carrying a bit of an injury and that seems to have settled now.”