Charlton Athletic's next move is obvious after Lloyd Jones, Wycombe Wanderers links | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic defender Lloyd Jones has been linked with a move to fellow League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

Charlton Athletic must take action amid rumours linking Lloyd Jones with a move to league-leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

The Chairboys, who are currently top of the table in League One, have reportedly made the defender a target ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon.

Wycombe were previously linked with a move for the 29-year-old in the summer of 2023, prior to his move to The Valley on a free transfer from Cambridge United, so it should perhaps not come as a huge surprise that they have renewed their interest in the centre-back.

Jones has been a standout player for Charlton this season, and with less than a year remaining on his contract, the Addicks must take immediate action to ensure that they do not lose one of their most important players.

Charlton must offer Jones a new contract

After recently being ruled out of six league games through injury, Jones reminded Charlton supporters what they had been missing with an assured performance in the middle of a back three during the Addicks' 0-0 draw away at Lincoln City on Saturday.

The powerful defender has made more blocks and interceptions than any other Charlton player in League One so far this term, while the rating system on FotMob suggests that he has been the Addicks' best player when fit.

Jones, who is vice-captain at The Valley, has played in five of the six victories that Nathan Jones' side have picked up in League One this season. Each of the Addicks' league wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet, showing the importance of their defenders when things go to plan.

Therefore, Charlton's next step must be to offer the defender a new contract to keep him at The Valley for the foreseeable future.

However, it is clear to see why Matt Bloomfield would like to bring Jones to Wycombe, as they look to keep up their momentum at the top of the table.

The Chairboys have conceded the most goals out of the top five teams in the third tier, with their success having primarily been built on an outstanding attacking record, so signing a player like Jones could be just what they need if they are going to maintain their promotion push for the remainder of the season.

It may be a tough decision for Jones if Wycombe make an offer

It could prove to be a difficult decision for Jones if both Charlton offer him a new deal and Wycombe make an approach to sign him in January.

Earlier this season, he implied that he would be keen on agreeing fresh terms in SE7 during an interview via London News Online.

“I’ve got to keep putting in performances – that is my main focus,” he stated.

“Hopefully if I keep putting in good performances and focus on my football then a new contract will be here. I’ll have to wait and see.

“Football changes so quickly but Charlton is a big club with a great fan base, a great stadium and a top manager. Everything seems to be falling in place.”

It is very true that football changes quickly, and with those quotes having been made in October, it will be interesting to see whether Jones feels the same way now that Charlton are languishing in mid-table.

Jones, who once appeared on the bench in the Premier League for Liverpool in 2013, has only ever made four appearances at a level higher than League One, with all of those coming in the Championship during his time at Luton Town.

At this stage of his career, he may see a move to Wycombe as a good opportunity to return to the second tier as soon as possible, with the Chairboys' chances of promotion being far better than Charlton's as things stand.

Charlton will be reluctant to accept any offers for Jones, but if Wycombe come in for him in January, the Addicks will have a tough decision to make on whether to sell him and weaken their starting lineup, or reject the bid and risk losing him for free at the end of the season.

For now, it is clear that the Addicks' next move must be to make Lloyd Jones a contract offer that could convince him to stay at the club, but if he does not sign it, then it will be very interesting to see what happens.