ERIC Tie Bi’s chances of securing a deal at Charlton have been boosted by the confirmation from manager Chris Powell he doesn’t anticipate having to pay a fee for the midfielder.

The 23-year-old has been training with the cash-strapped Addicks this week and a decision is expected on whether to offer him a deal after this weekend’s home game with Doncaster.

Ivorian international Tie Bi is under contract at French club Evian and had been on trial with Premier League Hull City this summer, with reports at the time suggesting the Tigers would have to pay £1m to secure his services.

Steve Bruce subsequently went on to make other midfield signings, signalling the end of his interest in Tie Bi and handing Charlton a chance to snap him up.

And Powell today revealed he doesn’t expect it will cost him a transfer fee to secure the player’s services, hinting a loan might well be the preferred option for all parties should the Addicks pursue their interest.

“I don’t know, I hope not,” replied the Valley chief when asked if Tie Bi would cost money.

“I don’t think so from what we are told but you have to discuss these things with the clubs, but I’ve got a feeling there won’t be.

“Whether it turns into a permanent, or possibly even a loan just so he gets used to being in London and England because that is another factor - you can sign players and they’ve never been here before.

“At the moment it is too early to say exactly how everything will go.

“Eric has been in, he is someone we’ve seen before and we had the opportunity to bring him in this week.

“He was meant to come in on Monday but had a horrendous journey so he came in Tuesday, acquitted himself very well and hopefully he will train with us possibly until the end of the week.

“I hope he does and I hope he is here for the game on Saturday.

“If we are going to take it any further then we will do that.

“There is always a lot of factors involved - his club, all the personal details and all that kind of stuff.

“He looks OK, he has been on trial at Hull City in the summer.

“Obviously they’ve splashed the cash on other midfielders but his pedigree is good, we’ve watched him last year, I’ve watched DVDs, I’ve rung around as always but I always feel you need to see them.

“He has been in and we will see how it goes.”

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