Ligue 1 club Metz are keen to re-sign Ahmed Kashi in the summer.
The Charlton midfielder’s deal runs out in six months’ time, and he is likely to leave if the Addicks fail to win promotion to the Championship this season.
And News Shopper has been told Metz, the club Kashi left to join the Addicks, are waiting in the wings.
The Algeria international, 29, has endured an injury-ravaged spell since moving to the Valley in 2015. Serious achilles problems have ruined his last two campaigns.
MORE: Charlton boss is considering recalling striker from loan spell
But he has proven his fitness this season by making 26 appearances for Karl Robinson’s promotion-chasing side.
Charlton, who are just one point off the top six, would be confident of tying Kashi down to a new contract if they go up.
However, an injury crisis coupled with owner Roland Duchatelet’s reluctance to spend money on new players this month, has put their promotion bid in doubt.
Kashi, who captained Charlton for the first time against Oldham last Saturday, could be open to a move back to France, the country where he has played most of his football.
Metz are currently bottom of Ligue 1 and eight points adrift of safety.
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