Battle for Old Firm target heats up as 'both Celtic and Rangers offer pre-contract deal'

Celtic and Rangers are each said to have made pre-contract offers to Charlton Athletic star Alfie Doughty.

Steven Gerrard and Neil Lennon are battling it out for the services of Charlton Athletic youngster Alfie Doughty. Picture: SNS

The Glasgow Evening Times reports each half of the Old Firm have taken advantage of the midfielder entering the final six months of his contract to try and tempt him away from The Valley.

The 21-year-old is also on the radar of Stoke City, who have offered around £650,000 to sign him outright in the January window.

Celtic were said to have made two bids for the player in last summer’s window before deciding to wait and try to nab the player for a cut-price compensation fee.

Addicks boss Lee Bowyer is resigned to losing the player. He said on Wednesday: “Alfie’s agent has told us he won’t sign a new deal and I’m disappointed with that. We’ve given him the opportunity and we want him to sign a new contract. But that’s his decision, that’s his choice – we understand that.”

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