Charlton Reported To Want Iwelumo

Charlton Athletic have reportedly joined the race to sign Colchester United`s out of contract hot-shot Chris Iwelumo.

The Guardian newspaper carried the story, reacting to Teletext speculation, that the Scotsman, who scored 18 goals last season, would be snapped up on a free to help fire the relegated London side swiftly back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

Charlton`s interest would make sense, because the club`s number two is Phil Parkinson, Colchester former promotion-winning boss.

Gheriant Williams did not deny the story yesterday, telling the local media: "There will be clubs getting in touch with them to see what their plans are and we understand that,' also reffering to Richard Garcia, the other U`s man whose deal is up for renewal.

"We wanted to get the out-of-contract players signed up but just because they haven't, that doesn't mean we've given up," he added.

'The club have done their best with their offers and now we have to wait and see. We've been negotiating since Christmas and it's not like we've left them with take-it-or-leave-it offers.

'There have been offers and counter-proposals going back and forth and we are quite far down the line.'

Other clubs in line for Iwelumo are said
to be Ipswich, Hearts and former team Stoke City.

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