Colchester United have been handed a boost in their hopes of keeping Micah Mbick following comments from Charlton Athletic‘s Jim Rodwell.
The U’s are at risk of losing their star striker this January, with reports from David Ornstein earlier this week suggesting that Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion had bid up to £3.5 million for the Addicks’ starlet, currently on loan in Essex.
Mbick Concerns Allieviated
With Mbick’s future in doubt, Colchester were faced with a scenario where they could lose both him and winger Kyreece Lisbie, who was of interest to Belgian side Zulte Waregem, however those reports have since gone cold.
However, in a fan discussion event held online, Charlton Managing Director Jim Rodwell, who is also in charge of transfer business at the Valley, opened up on the rumours surrounding the 19-year-old forward. (Quotes via Richard Cawley):
“I’m not going to particularly comment on who bid what and for who. No-one will leave unless the deal suits Charlton. There is no pressure to sell our assets.
“There is always a number where someone comes with an offer for a player where you go ‘crikey, let’s get a car – let’s go’. We’ve not been anywhere near that point.
“We’re hopeful of Micah being in the first-team at Charlton Athletic in the Championship scoring goals for us. That is where the real value is.”
Mbick has relished his first chance of regular senior football since heading on loan to Colchester, scoring six goals and providing two assists in League Two as part of Danny Cowley’s push for a playoff place, with his side three points behind Notts County in seventh.
Great News For Colchester
With Jim Rodwell’s latest comments, Colchester United can breathe a sigh of relief that Micah Mbick will remain with the club for the rest of the season. Excelling on loan at the Jobserve Community Stadium, he has proven he is capable of spearheading an attack with the support of players like Jack Payne and Kyreece Lisbie providing for him.
While a third Brighton bid could arrive, as suggested in David Ornstein’s original report, these latest comments will certainly come as a major blow to the Seagulls’ hopes of signing the teenager.
The second half of this campaign will be a big test for the U’s, with all parts of the squad now needing to push onwards and break into the top seven.
Their next few games will be a big test as to whether they can do that, while also giving themselves a better chance by playing the two teams directly below them in the table, Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra.
