Charlton Athletic chief executive Katrien Meire has insisted that the club want to keep hold of forward Igor Vetokele.

The Belgian has been strongly linked with a move away from the Valley after Bolton boss Neil Lennon admitted he has approached the Addicks over a loan deal.

Vetokele, 23, was an integral part of Charlton’s dressing room last year but has only started one game this season under Guy Luzon.

The severity of the forward’s injuries has also been debated, but CEO Meire has stated that Vetokele remains an important player for the club.

“For the moment we’re working with Igor to get him fit, there was some doubts whether he was fit or not,” Meire told News Shopper.

“He was fit but then there was a twist in the Blackburn game when he felt some pain in his groin again.

“He wants to feel completely fit and secure about his body before he goes out and plays – we’re trying to get him ready as soon as possible but it’s dangerous as we need to listen to the player and his body.

When pressed whether a switch to Bolton was possible, Meire added: “I want Igor to play, and preferably with us.

“So I’m sure if he’s fit he will fight his way into the team and that’s the biggest priority for Igor and for us at the moment.”

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