Charlton Athletic fans will be hoping that things are going to be sorted involving Lee Bowyer before too long but they are still dragging on.

The Addicks have been exceptional on the pitch in recent months but now off-field matters are going to take centre stage once more.

Bowyer is out of contract this summer and fans will want to see him stay on but with speculation mounting, nothing is particularly clear right now.

As per the South London Press, though, talks are still going on at the moment and it seems apparent that there is at least an effort to get him on a new deal - though it remains to be seen how successful that proves.

More recently, meanwhile, owner Roland Duchatelet has said that efforts are being made for him to get on an improved deal, so maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Verdict

You would have thought, of course, that this is a no-brainer but those in charge at Charlton have never done things by the book, put it that way.

Bowyer has done a wonderful job and deserves the chance to stay at the club for next season without doubt, but whether or not he gets that opportunity remains to be seen.

The question those making the decision have to think, though, is are they going to get someone in that can do as good a job as Bowyer has? The answer is surely no.

And, if Duchatelet does actually deliver on an improved deal at least that is something - though there are no guarantees for sure.