Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer says he is now hopeful that the English League One outfit can tie down wingback Alfie Doughty to a new contract.

Celtic had a number of bids turned down for the 20-year-old before the transfer window closed last month but, with his current deal set to expire next summer, there was still hope of signing him on a pre-contract agreement.

However, after Doughty suffered a hamstring injury which will keep the player out for a number of months, Bowyer says he is more confident that the wingback will look to stay at the Valley for the long term:

“We’ve just got to see where we’re at with Alfie and his agent but we’re hopeful that we can get something done there. Like I’ve said before, this is the right place for him to be at the moment – especially with his injury as well now. He needs to focus on just getting back and having that security behind him, I think. Hopefully, we can get that one done.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has stated that he is keen on keeping AC Milan star Diego Laxalt on a permanent basis after his loan spell at the Scottish champions ends so it does look as though the Hoops have moved on to other targets.

Were a move for Laxalt to collapse, though, Doughty may well have been seen as a potential alternative but Celtic will need to look elsewhere if he puts pen to paper on a new deal.