Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has revealed that striker Jonson Clarke-Harris is yet to agree personal terms with Charlton Athletic after a bid was accepted last week.
The 29-year-old is set to depart the Weston Homes Stadium this month after coming close to sealing a move to former club Bristol Rovers in the summer. The Posh talisman is in the final months of his current deal, which has prompted the Cambridgeshire outfit to cash in now rather than run the risk of losing him for free in the summer.
Clarke-Harris has been a big hit for the League One club since joining in 2020, twice winning the Golden Boot. He has played a bit-part role this season as Ferguson prepares for life without the attacker, although he made what is considered to be his final appearance in the 2-2 draw with Barnsley at the end of last month, scoring twice in the process.
Charlton’s interest has been well documented as they look to make a late surge for the play-offs, although they are currently 13 points adrift from that all-important sixth spot. Their 3-3 draw with Port Vale on Saturday extended the Addicks’ winless run to nine in all competitions and manager Michael Appleton is hoping for a big transfer window.
It was revealed by Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony last month that Charlton had seen ‘a few bids’ rejected for the ex-Rotherham United man, but a breakthrough has now been made. The London-based side have seen their latest offer accepted and talks with the player are now underway. However, terms are still to be agreed:
“A bid has been accepted by Charlton,” Ferguson told BBC Cambs Sport. “It’s up to the player now to agree personal terms and I don’t think we’re at that stage yet.”
Interestingly, Charlton host Peterborough this weekend, where they will be hoping they can get a deal over the line prior to the clash in what could be his debut for his new club.
Writer’s View
Charlton are going big this window, with a deal for West Ham United midfielder Conor Coventry also on the cards. An attacking duo of Jonson Clarke-Harris and Alfie May is an embarrassment of riches in this division and will be the envy of any club competing in the third tier.
Michael Appleton will be hoping that the gap between themselves and the play-off spots isn’t already too large as he looks to ebb away at the points difference over the remaining 21 fixtures. The Addicks are certainly a team to keep an eye on during the second half of the campaign.