CHARLTON are intent on keeping England Under-21 midfielder Jerome Thomas at The Valley, despite the advances of newly-promoted Premiersip club Derby County, who are thought to have bid £3million for him.

Manager Alan Pardew, who has already declared that he is not under pressure to sell any more players despite the club's relegation, made it clear that the enigmatic 24-year-old figures prominently in his plans.

Pardew said: "I believe that Jerome needs a great season under his belt because there have been a lot of seasons when he's been in, out, done a bit, had a couple of great games, but not a season of sustained form.

"If he does that then a new contract will be coming his way from us very quickly.

"The final judgement on this issue rest with me and nobody else. If he goes, then it will be for a very good reason."

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