London News Online reports that Charlton Athletic are interested in signing Cambridge United goalkeeper Will Mannion.
Charlton Athletic are interested in bringing the stopper to The Valley on a free transfer as they prepare for the new season. They are ready for their first full season under manager Nathan Jones.
Mannion, 26, has a contract with Cambridge United that expires at the end of next month and is set to become a free agent. The U’s have offered him a new contract, but he has yet to sign it, giving him time to consider his alternatives.
According to London News Online, the Addicks want to sign him for free as they strive to strengthen their goalkeeping department. They already have two senior options: Harry Isted and Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
However, Jones is said to desire to shake things up between the sticks.
Charlton Athletic eye goalkeeper
Mannion could challenge for Charlton Athletic’s number one shirt in the upcoming season.
He has been on the books of fellow League One club Cambridge United since 2021, and he helped them stay up last season under Garry Monk.
The former England youth international progressed through the academy ranks at AFC Wimbledon and was a fixture for the club at various levels until being signed by Hull City as a teenager in 2016.
The Tigers were in the Premier League when he signed, and he appeared in one first-team games for the East Yorkshire club. He also had loan periods away from the MKM Stadium with Plymouth Argyle, Aldershot Town, and Kidderminster Harriers to gain experience.
Mannion then moved abroad permanently when Pafos came calling, spending 12 months in Cyprus before returning home.
Cambridge United signed him in 2021, and he has since played 41 games for the U’s, as well as a brief stay away from the Abbey Stadium with Havant & Waterlooville in the National League South.
What next for Cambridge United man?
Mannion has yet to sign a contract extension, leaving the door open for suitors like Charlton Athletic. He is promised minutes with Monk’s side, but the opportunity to move to the Addicks would be difficult to pass up. They have ambitious intentions to move up from the third tier, which would be a fascinating undertaking to be involved in.
