Charlton are planning on offering a bumper contract to one of their sought-after defenders to fight off rival interest.

Afernee Dijksteel has been subjected to interest from Middlesbrough and it has forced the club into offering him a new deal, The Evening Standard reports.

The 22-year-old only has one-year remaining on his current deal and with Boro now breathing down his neck the club want him to pen a long term contract.

The full-back played 31 times in League One last year, scoring one goal. He joined from the Nike Academy in 2016 and has made a total of 58 appearances for The Addicks.

Charlton have faced an uphill battle since their promotion to the Championship, having to spend more time fighting off interest in their own players rather than looking to improve their squad.

The Verdict

It will be very damming for Charlton if they can't keep hold 0f Dijksteel.

Bowyer and Gallen already have their work cut out to manufacture a squad which is worthy of staying in the Championship, and losing more of the key players which helped them get promoted is really tough for them.

If Dijksteel leaves it will raise questions for the other key players in the squad; should they be moving on too if the rest are?

Charlton are right to offer Dijksteel a new deal. If he snubs the offer, then it will be likely that he leaves as Charlton will want to maximise the profitability available on him and won't want him leaving on a free.