Celtic target Alfie Doughty has been urged to sign a new Charlton contract by Addicks chairman Thomas Sandgaard.
The new Charlton owner is desperate to tie down one of his brightest prospects, and he insists Doughty is expected to be sticking around at the Valley.
The League One club are looking to earn promotion straight back to the Championship but could lose Doughty on a free next summer.
Celtic would only need to pay a development fee for him but Sandgaard believes the right thing to do would be to secure him on a long-term deal.
The transfer window is still open for clubs in the English Football League to buy domestically, and Doughty is attracting interest from Championship clubs.
But Sandgaard would be shocked if he left before Friday night's deadline as he told London News Online: “Alfie Doughty is someone we expect to be staying.
“He’s part of the future of the club. I’m not really interested in selling at this point.
“No I don’t see that [Doughty going before the deadline]. He’s too important.”
When asked if Doughty should be signed to a long term deal, Sandgaard replied: “Of course. That would only be the right thing to do.
“I think he’s doing great and seems very comfortable at the club. It’s a really good foundation for talent like that.”
Neil Lennon was chasing Doughty as competition for Greg Taylor, but sealed the loan signing of AC Milan's Diego Laxalt instead.
