Charlton Athletic are hoping to land the signing of Cambridge United midfielder Paul Digby, according to reports, but face stiff competition from League One rivals Sunderland and Oxford.
The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer at the Abbey Stadium and has rejected terms for a new deal. This has sparked interested from a number of clubs in the EFL.
Digby has enjoined a superb campaign at the heart of the U’s midfield, helping Mark Bonner’s side return to the third tier for the first time since 2002.
The combative midfield made 35 league appearances and was a key man in a team that surpassed all expectations to end up finishing second in League Two.
According to Football Insider, Nigel Akins is hoping to bring Digby to The Valley this summer with the player available on a free following his decision to reject new terms to stay in Cambridgeshire.
The Addicks are facing a battle from both Sunderland and Oxford United but the Londoners are apparently leading the race to sign the former Stevenage and Forest Green man.
His ability to control the midfield is one of the reasons he is so sought after. During the 2020/21 campaign he led Cambridge in successful tackles (101) and possession won in the opponent’s half (70). He also made an impressive 298 interceptions and won 185 aerial duels.
Cambridge United also face losing top scorer Paul Mullin and key creator Wes Hoolahan following their promotion to League One.