Charlton Athletic leads race in pursuit of talented star amidst interest from many clubs

Charlton Athletic are poised to beat League One rivals Bristol Rovers and Blackpool to bring promising Dunfermline defender Josh Edwards to The Valley in a significant coup for the London outfit.

The South London Press reports that the Addicks hope to have tied up a deal for the 23-year-old ‘in the coming days’ with negotiations currently focused on a serious Addicks bid, believed to be just short of the £1 million price tag rumoured to have been placed on the defender.

Edwards has one year left on his contract with the Scottish Championship club and has been linked with a move to Barnsley in recent weeks, as well as other League One clubs. The versatile defender is primarily a left-back but can also play on the wing, as well as in central defence.

Charlton Athletic, under manager Nathan Jones, would have demonstrated their resolve by defeating opponents in the third division to acquire the star. This would be the player’s first transfer window at the club. In order to give him more influence over the club’s transfer policy, the Welshman was named manager instead than head coach.

In January, Dunfermline turned down a bid from Barnsley, but they assured Edwards that they would approve a transfer at the appropriate moment. The defender, who came from Airdrie to join the Fifers in 2019, is an important member of the team.

James McPake, the manager of Dunfermline, stated in February: “A bid was turned down by the club, but that was concerning until [last Thursday’s transfer deadline].” We are aware of his importance, and the club—CEO David Cook and the board—are excellent at recognizing that. For them, it was an easy decision.

“Obviously, a ridiculous bid (that is, a high bid) will be examined if it is received. The club knocked that back for what Josh can do and what he is worth to us. It also demonstrates their genuine aim.

Because of the work Josh does for the team, it was crucial to keep him around. It is inevitable for him to sustain an injury in football, but it is extremely difficult to find a guy with his caliber of play. There aren’t many players that can play left wing or left wing-back like him.

“It was critical that we retained him. He’s giving a very good performance. He will make moves toward him, I’ve told him. He is doing everything correctly, so if he continues doing what he is doing for us, he will go on to have an amazing career.”