CHARLTON have hit out at “erroneous” media reports after Paulo Di Canio signed a new one-year contract for Charlton.

A week after manager Alan Curbishley flew to Italy to see Di Canio, the club announced he was staying at The Valley along with striker Kevin Lisbie, who has agreed a three-year deal.

A number of clubs had been linked with Di Canio towards the end of last season, but chief executive Peter Varney insisted there was no truth in the stories.

He said: “There have been a lot of erroneous stories that we had released Paulo. On the contrary, we are delighted he has signed a new contract.

“Paulo has agreed to stay with us despite receiving a number of lucrative offers, both in this country and abroad. These are exciting times for everyone at Charlton and Paulo wants to be a part of what we all hope will be a successful future for the club.”

The former AC Milan, Lazio, Juventus and West Ham striker, who turns 36 next month, believes a full pre-season will make a difference to his form next season.

He said: “I did not have a proper pre-season last year because of injury and that affects every player. This year I want to start the season fully fit which will make a big difference for me.”

Di Canio became an instant hit with Addicks fans last season, making 33 appearances and scoring five goals.

Curbishley flew to see him in Rome to check on the progress on a rib injury sustained in the final match of last season against Southampton.

“Paulo changes games so he’s got a part to play at the club,” said Curbishley.

Lisbie missed much of last season with a long-term back injury. The 25-year-old made his comeback for Charlton Reserves at the end of last season and then played for Jamaica in the Unity Cup internationals at The Valley.

Charlton have also signed 19-year-old Irish midfielder Neil McCafferty on a one-year deal, but doubts remain over transfer-listed Paul Konchesky’s future.

Curbishley confirmed: “Paul is still on the transfer list and a decision will have to be made. I think he played 10 games on loan at Spurs and 20-odd games for us so he had a full Premiership season. But not one appearance was at left-back.

“He's got it in his locker to score some goals but didn’t hit the target. He should be weighing in with three or four goals a year. He’s away on holiday and we’ll be talking to him when he returns.”