Valley chairman reaffirms transfer stance after Villa fail to meet asking price (From News Shopper)

Valley chairman reaffirms transfer stance after Villa fail to meet asking price

12:08pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in Sport

CHARLTON chairman Michael Slater says the Addicks have no intention of cashing in on their prize assets after rejecting several big money bids from Aston Villa for Dale Stephens last week.

The tough negotiating stance ultimately put Villa off as the transfer window drew to a close on Friday evening, with the Premier League strugglers turning their attentions to signing Crewe’s Ashley Westwood once it was clear Stephens wouldn’t be got unless Charlton’s price was met.

Slater said: “It’s never been the club’s intention to sell its best players.

“We received a number of offers for one of our players, none of which were accepted because it wasn’t in the club’s best interests.”

Stephens didn’t feature in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest but is expected back for the big derby date with Crystal Palace on September 14.

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