CHRIS Powell has downplayed rumours which have resurfaced linking star defender Chris Solly with a move to West Ham.

The Hammers were supposed to have the right-back in their sights during the close season, although no bid ever materialised from the east Londoners in the end.

But that hasn’t stopped several media organisations again suggesting a switch over the river is on the cards for the 21-year-old during the January transfer window, claims today dismissed as being groundless by the Addicks chief.

Powell said: “That (rumour) has been going now for about six months.

“I would say if West Ham are going to do it they would contact us, I don’t think they would keep watching him for that long.

“People are always going to look at players from lower down.

“Premier League sides know they’ve got the money to entice clubs in the Championship.

“I think he is a wonderful player, like I think a lot of our players are very good players.

“Will they benefit from playing for us for longer?

“Well yeah, although I would say that.

“But it doesn’t surprise me that people will watch our games and one or two will catch the eye, that’s the nature of the business but I don’t want them going anywhere.”

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