Charlton have allowed on-loan midfielder Lee Cook to return to his club Fulham.

The 25-year-old limped off injured early in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Cook's old club Queens Park Rangers.

Manager Alan Pardew, who expects to know his budget for players by the end of the week, explained: "I don't think we would be in a position to take Lee permanently. That's one of the reasons why he's gone back.

"His stature in the game and his value, plus his contract at Fulham suggests he will stay at Craven Cottage."

Cook followed striker Leroy Lita out of The Valley after his weekend recall by Reading. But two more loan players, defenders Greg Halford and Sam Sodje, are likely to remain until the season's end.

Pardew dismissed as "pure speculation" national newspaper reports stating that Plymouth right-back Paul Connolly would be joining Charlton in the summer.

He said: "This is not true and I have no idea where this story came from. I can state categorically that we have not contacted any agents regarding players for next season and will not until I know my budget."