Star midfielder Diego Poyet has rejected a new contract offer and decided to quit Charlton Athletic.

The highly-rated 19-year-old burst into the first team in the second half of last season but that didn’t stop him being voted as the player of the season by Addicks supporters.

However, he became a free agent this summer and has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and current champions Manchester City.

And it looks like a top flight switch is on the cards after the youngster decided not to return to Sparrows Lane for pre-season training.

As a homegrown talent Charlton will now be entitled to compensation for bringing Poyet through the ranks, although there will be no transfer fee because he was out of contract.

Charlton director Katrien Meire said: “We are extremely disappointed that Diego has turned down our offer for him to stay with us.

“We did all we could to persuade him to remain with the club where he has played from a very young age.

“Along with our fans, I enjoyed watching his progression last season and hoped we would continue to enjoy his development at The Valley for a while longer.

“Although disappointed, we will continue with our recruitment strategy for the 2014/15 season and do everything we can to ensure the Charlton squad is as strong as possible going into the match at Brentford on August 9.”

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