Charlton were reported to have rejected a bid from Oldham for striker, Leon Clarke, on Tuesday.

Clarke only arrived at The Valley in January when he was involved in a swap deal that took Paul Benson to Swindon. While Benson played a significant part in Swindon’s promotion push, Clarke never settled in South London.

He failed to score – though he only had limited opportunities – and finished the season on loan at Crawley.

Clarke’s body language seemed all wrong during his appearances for the Addicks and he clearly has no future at The Valley.

Oldham’s wage structure does not compare to Charlton’s and the Latics may have wanted the Londoners to contribute towards Clarke’s wages in order to make the deal viable.

It is not known what offer Oldham made or what fee Charlton would accept.

The Addicks will play their first pre-season friendly at Welling on Saturday before jetting off to Spain on Monday. New signings, Jordan Cook and Lawrie Wilson, are likely to play for 45 minutes in the match that will see Chris Powell field separate teams in each half.

It is possible another new face or two could arrive before the match. An experienced midfielder who appeared in the Premier League last season is a possibility.

The signing of Cook and Wilson gives a broad hint that consolidation, rather than a promotion push, is what the club’s ambition is for the new season.