Owls Reject Bougherra Bid

Wednesday have rejected a bid worth in the region of £1.3m from Charlton Athletic for highly-rated centre-back Madjid Bougherra.

The Algerian international defender has drawn plaudits up and down the country following his impressive displays in the famous blue and white shirt and has already been linked with a move to Wigan Athletic.

And new Charlton boss Alan Pardew has already made it clear he needs to strengthen the Addicks' defence if they are to stay in the Premiership next season, with Bougherra one of a number of players reported to be on his hit-list.

Owls chief executive Kaven Walker told the official SWFC site: "We have rejected a £1.3 million offer from Charlton Athletic for Madjid Bougherra. He is not for sale."

Owls boss Brian Laws has already revealed he wants to keep his top players if Wednesday are to mount a serious promotion challenge this season - and has insisted there is no clause in Bougherra's contract allowing to leave if a bid of more than £1m is tabled.

The news will be a worry to Owls fans who are keen to hold on to the 24-year-old, with Bougherra fast becoming a crowd favourite at S6 as well as helping the Owls to within three points of the play-off spots.

Former Owls boss Paul Sturrock acted quickly to bring Bougherra to Hillsborough after impressing on a loan deal with Crewe Alexandra from French club FC Gueugnon, and the Algerian has made 27 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

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