Manager desperate for ‘outstanding’ 20-year-old to stay after Celtic bid received and rejected

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With Celtic hoping to win a tenth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, Hoops boss Neil Lennon has been busy bolstering the Parkhead ranks this summer.

One player the Hoops have been heavily linked with over the past few days is Alfie Doughty, a 20-year-old left-sided player currently plying his trade for English third-tier side Charlton.

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer has now confirmed that Celtic have made a bid for the versatile youngster, who can play at left-back, left midfield and central midfield.

The bid was turned down, added Bowyer, as he outlined his desire for Doughty to stay at The Valley and continue learning the ropes.

“We did turn down an offer from Celtic,” he told London News Online. “And they were at the game at the weekend, from what I understand. But we’ve not heard anything since.

“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.

“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.”

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Doughty broke into the Charlton first team in the second half of last season and made 29 English Championship appearances, scoring twice and assisting three goals.

One of his performances last season – against Sheffield Wednesday, where he was a late call-up and played at left-back – saw Bowyer describe him as “outstanding” and “excellent”.

With the Addicks suffering relegation to English League One, the 20-year-old would now get the opportunity to join a top-tier club competing in Europe, should his club be willing to do business.