CHRIS Powell has denied Charlton have made an approach for West Ham striker Benni McCarthy.

The Addicks have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour striker, and are now short in that department after allowing Pawel Abbott to return to Poland.

But although Powell definitely hopes to wrap up two loan signings this week, he explained McCarthy may not be one of them.

“I don’t know where that story’s come from,” Powell said.

“We haven’t contacted West Ham and they haven’t contacted us.

“He’s a quality player but if we had a desire to bring him in then I would have made the call myself by now.

“You’ve got to look at so many factors with a player like that. Is he right for us?

“He’s a Premier League player so he’s on Premier League money so it’s also a case of if we can manage to bring him in.”

However, with injuries and departures leaving the rookie boss short-handed, he’s well aware of his need to bolster the ranks as soon as possible.

He added: “I’m going to do my utmost to ensure we’ll bring in a couple of players by Saturday.

“We’re only allowed two loans because we already have three.

“Matt Fry’s loan is up in March so we’ll see what happens with that as well.”

On Abbott’s departure for Ruch Chorzow, a Polish top flight side, Powell explained Pawel’s determination to make the national squad in time for Euro 2012.

“Pawel expressed a desire to leave the club,” Powell stated.

“He wanted to return to Poland. He’s of Polish descent and they’re hosting the European Championships next year so he wanted to be out in Poland.

“Yesterday was the final day of the Polish transfer window so we looked out for him and let him leave before the window closed.”