No transfer interest yet in Solly or Stephens

Charlton’s lack of money has heightened fears key players will leave before the transfer window shuts next Monday, with Solly and Stephens linked with possible exits for different reasons.

Highly-rated full-back Solly is arguably the club’s prize asset, while midfielder Stephens has already indicated he would like to return north.

On whether there had been any approaches for Solly, Powell replied: “I’ve had no calls so as far as I’m aware at present no, but we’ve got four more days until September 2.

“I’m hoping it passes and that nothing happens, but who knows?”

Solly was not involved in Tuesday’s 3-2 League Cup exit at Huddersfield, prompting further speculation he could well be on his way, although Powell hopes to have the defender back for Saturday’s home date with Leicester.

“I hope so,” the manager said.

“I rested him, he has had one or two knocks.

“It helped him not playing and being involved in that game (at Huddersfield) but he should be OK.”

Stephens scored the opener in that Huddersfield loss against a side who he had previously been linked with.

But Powell hinted today a stay in south-east London could be on the cards.

“I’ve got to clarify something here because this is more on behalf of the lad,” the boss explained.

“He had a tough year last year with regards to the breakdown of the possible move to the Premier League.

“Then he was in and out of the side, and of course we had a very good end to the season and he wasn’t involved, and his own personal situation.

“He felt it would have been maybe better to move up north but we did have that chat.

“I said to him ‘if you come back and nothing has materialised, then you are here’.

“To be fair to him he took that on board and I believe his own situation has got better, which is not for me to go into.”

Powell added: “He has trained well, he has had a couple of games and been involved at Bournemouth and started at Barnsley.

“I can’t keep diminishing my squad.

“There may be one or two lads that want to move out on loan but I’ve said to him ‘if you are playing at the level I feel you can you will play for us, and if no-one comes for you, you play for us’.

“He played a game the other day in the new shape and we will take it from there.”

When pressed on whether he was confident Stephens would remain, the manager said: “Good question.

“I’m confident he is here, he is part of my squad.

“He is available, and like I’ve said all along, if no-one comes in for the players, they stay.

“If someone comes in and it is an offer we cannot refuse for whatever reason, or the player thinks it is better for him and we feel everyone is happy with it, then you go.

“But if that doesn’t happen you train and you play for Charlton Athletic.”

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