CHARLTON plc chairman Richard Murray has opened negotiations with manager Alan Curbishley to extend his contract at The Valley.

Curbishley, who has 18 months remaining of his existing deal, admitted having exploratory talks and that he had been surprised by the approach.

Curbishley, who is in his 10th season in sole charge, said: "We’ve had tentative talks but I was surprised when the chairman came to me. He spoke to me about a new contract before the international break and I believe we will talk again."

There are believed to be clauses in Curbishley’s contract whereby he would be allowed to speak to a Champions League club if Charlton received an approach – or indeed the Football Association should they earmark him for the England job.

Curbishley confirmed: "There are clauses in my contract which works both ways. If a club comes in for me they pay and if Charlton sack me, they pay. Mine is no different from any other manager’s in the Premier League."