Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has revealed that he will hold talks with key striker Lyle Taylor over his future in the coming week amid transfer interest from a number of EFL clubs.

Taylor has been a revelation since joining the Addicks in the summer of 2018, with the prolific frontman having netted 32 goals in 60 games for Bowyer's side, but his future at The Valley has now been cast into doubt with his contract set to expire in the summer.

This has led to Championship sides such as West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday showing an interest in his services, according to Sky Sports, while the Daily Mail have reported that Bristol City are now showing a serious interest in the 29-year-old this month.

Taylor has missed a large chunk of the season with a knee injury suffered back in September, while he has also missed matches in recent weeks due to a thigh problem, but he made his return as a substitute during his side's goalless draw with Fulham last night.

Bowyer, who has just signed a new deal with the Addicks, has suggested that this development means Taylor may now be more open to contract discussions with the club, with the Charlton boss now preparing to hold talks with the striker next week.

“There was a good contract for Lyle, and he didn’t want to sign it, but he did say something regarding myself, so I may be jumping the gun, it may make a difference, I don’t know,” Bowyer told News Shopper.

“I’ll have to speak to him after the weekend. The players will have a couple of days off now, they deserve it, then I’ll speak to him after that and see where his head’s at."

Charlton are now sitting 19th in the Championship table following their solid point against third-placed Fulham last night, and the South London outfit will be hoping to retain Taylor's services this month in the hope he can add to his seven-goal tally this term.

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The Verdict

Taylor's goalscoring record over the past 18 months provides clear evidence of his importance to this Charlton side, and the club will be desperate to keep hold of his services until at least the summer as the frontman could hold the key to the Addicks' survival bid.

It would have come as a blow when Taylor turned down Charlton's initial contract offer, but this does not mean there is no chance the striker will remain at the club beyond his current deal, but the former AFC Wimbledon will need to be offered a significant deal to stay.

There is definitely more chance of Taylor agreeing to fresh terms following confirmation of Bowyer's new contract, and it is now important that a decision is made regarding his future in order to put an end to this ongoing speculation.