Charlton Athletic are ‘facing a fight’ to retain the services of attacker Corey Blackett-Taylor amid interest from League One rivals Derby County, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form this season and scored his ninth goal of the season yesterday in the 3-3 draw against Port Vale. He has been one of the plus points in what has been an underwhelming season thus far for the Addicks, who currently sit in 13th.
Charlton had begun the campaign as one of the pre-season favourites for promotion but became the first club to make a managerial change this season when they sacked Dean Holden in August. The appointment of Michael Appleton in early September did see a small bounce, although their recent form has seen them fail to record a win since beating Cheltenham Town in November – a run which has stretched to nine games in all competitions.
With a gap of 13 points between themselves and sixth-placed Barnsley, a late surge for the play-offs seems unlikely. A big transfer window is needed, although the manager will be hoping that he can retain the services of one of his key players in Blackett-Taylor.
The winger is out of contract at the end of the season and was reportedly the subject of a bid from promotion-chasing Derby County earlier this week, with South London Press claiming the Rams’ initial pursuit was rejected. However, Witcoop states that Paul Warne’s side remain interested, as do a number of Championship clubs.
https://twitter.com/DarrenOWitcoop/status/1743974422300512368
Charlton are still hopeful that they can convince the player to remain at The Valley and have reportedly offered the former England under-19 international fresh terms.
Speculation is set to continue whilst the transfer window remains open, although Appleton will be hoping to keep potential suitors at bay for as long as possible.
Writer’s View
It’s no surprise to see a number of clubs circling, especially with the poor situation in which Charlton find themselves in. Blackett-Taylor can hold his head up high for the shift he has put in this season, but he will continue to draw interest from others throughout the month.
It’s likely that the attacker will find himself in a situation where he can choose his next venture, although Addicks fans won’t have given up hope of him staying where he is, at least for the remainder of the campaign. However, their dreadful recent form could play a factor and it doesn’t get any easier next week when they welcome third-placed Peterborough United to The Valley.
