Clarke chase hits buffers

ATHLETIC admit they have hit a road block in the pursuit of Charlton striker Leon Clarke.

While stopping short of suggesting a deal is dead chairman Simon Corney said budget constraints make a switch to Boundary Park impossible as it stands.

Clarke hit nine goals for relegated Chesterfield on loan last season and it is felt he would be the perfect candidate to replace last season’s top scorer Shefki Kuqi.

“Charlton are holding out for a lot of money and it is making it very difficult,” said Corney, from the club’s training base in Vilamoura.

“He is is way out of our budget.”

At present, Athletic have only Robbie Simpson, Matt Smith and Dan Taylor as recognised strikers on their books.

Bringing in another forward is a major priority for manager Paul Dickov








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