Jonson Clarke-Harris to Charlton transfer: Stance on contract, Peterborough plea, alternative eyed

Charlton Athletic have found themselves embroiled in what looks set to become a famous League One January transfer saga in years to come.

The signing of Peterborough United Jonson Clarke-Harris had looked to be about as easy a deal to complete as possible. The Posh were keen to offload the player ahead of his contract's expiry and the striker was happy to move on, having seen a late summer move foiled.

However, it has proved a much more complicated transfer move with discussions still ongoing after a fee was agreed. Here's all you need to know.

What happened with Bristol Rovers last summer?

Jonson Clarke-Harris' potential move to Charlton Athletic this January is only possible as an agreed deal with Bristol Rovers collapsed at the last minute last summer. The striker had been due to transfer to the Memorial Stadium on a club-record fee for the Gas.

Since then, the player has kept his head down and been praised for his dedication at promotion-chasing Peterborough United, taking his chances to impress when called upon by Darren Ferguson.

A Bristol Rovers statement after the failed transfer read: "This morning an EFL representative confirmed that our contract application for Jonson Clarke-Harris was rejected. The club had worked throughout the day to agree terms with Peterborough, the player and his representatives, however, late changes to the deal prevented it being completed.

"The outcome is a disappointing one for all involved however, everything possible was done to finalise the agreement and register the required documents with the EFL ahead of the deadline."

Charlton Athletic have transfer bid accepted by Peterborough United

A handful of clubs were linked with interest in Clarke-Harris over the first half of the season ahead of the January window. It was no secret that the striker would be moved on by Peterborough United when the transfer market opened.

Charlton Athletic always appeared to be frontrunners but Gillingham, Wrexham A.F.C. and Fleetwood Town were also named as interested parties. The Addicks were believed to have initially seen a £450,000 bid for Clarke-Harris rejected by the League One rivals.

On January 6, it was then reported by South London Press that Posh had accepted a £500,000 bid from Charlton Athletic, with the club then able to enter into contract discussions with the forward.

Clarke-Harris turns down Addicks contract

Since Charlton and Peterborough agreed a fee, discussions over a contract for Clarke-Harris have proved difficult for the London side. The player is now believed to have rejected two separate offers from Charlton.

Football League World reports that the striker may now be considering staying at his current club and waiting for his contract to expire this summer. A new club would then not have to pay a transfer fee, which could theoretically put Clarke-Harris in a more favourable position negotiating a deal.

Striker sent message by Posh Director of Football

Peterborough United are keen to cash in on Clarke-Harris this month, rather than see him leave the club for free this summer. Director of Football, Barry Fry, has sent the star a warning message regarding contract negotiations.

He told the Peterborough Telegraph: "Johnno has turned down two contract offers from Charlton. It’s up to him of course, but he isn’t going to get a better offer or a better club in my opinion.

"He could believe he will be financially better off if he leaves for nothing in the summer, but clubs are struggling financially and with financial fair play rules. Two Premier League clubs got charged yesterday and I know of half a dozen Championship clubs who are struggling to stay within the rules. The money isn’t there anymore.”

Charlton linked with move for Cheltenham Town star

In the meantime, Charlton Athletic have been linked with a move for Cheltenham Town striker Will Goodwin. The forward has six goals in 16 League One appearances this term.

The Robins' chairman David Bloxham has labelled the Addick's interest as 'daft' with the third division strugglers desperate not to lose their goalscorer. It's not clear whether Charlton view Goodwin as an alternative to Clarke-Harris, or a potential second striker signing.

Speaking of interest, Bloxham said: "We are not looking to sell Will. We are going to be guided by the manager in terms of what he wants to do. The ultimate decision will be made by the board, but we'll be strongly influenced by the recommendation of the manager. Apart from the amount that might or might not be on offer, if something were to happen we'd need to be sure we can cover any departure because we cannot go into February with one less player."