Charlton Athletic's hopes of striking a deal for Sunderland's Aiden McGeady dealt a blow

The wideman penned a half-season loan deal at the Valley in January having been exiled from the Black Cats’ first-team squad by Phil Parkinson – with his temporary deal subsequently extended following the resumption of the Championship season.

And while it was widely expected that Charlton would hold discussions over a permanent deal for the 34-year-old this summer, they have been forced to shelve plans to hold talks with senior players after being placed under a transfer embargo.

The move comes after weeks of uncertainty over the club’s ownership, with Paul Elliott – who struck a deal to purchase the Addicks last month – still awaiting EFL approval.

It remains unclear how quickly the embargo will be lifted, meaning Bowyer will be forced to wait to hold talks with the likes of McGeady, former Black Cat Adam Matthews and star defender Naby Sarr.

Speaking to the South London Press, the Charlton boss said: “Because of the embargo we can’t offer them new contracts.

“I don’t know when that will be lifted. I don’t know what is going on – I’ve stepped away from all that behind the scenes. I just want to keep us in the division and cross that bridge when we come to it.

“I’m guessing 99 per cent of the other clubs in the division don’t have to work this way. But that’s the way it is, unfortunately.”