Charlton's bid for Japanese star is REJECTED - as Nathan Jones looks to strengthen his squad further ahead of Championship return

Charlton Athletic have had an offer turned down for Japanese defender Shinnosuke Fukuda.

Fukuda, 24, who can play at right back or right wing back, plies his trade for J1 League side Kyoto Sanga.

Mail Sport understands that Nathan Jones’ side wanted to take Fukuda on loan with an option to buy, but Kyoto are only open to a permanent exit.

Fukuda is known for his high energy and intensity, but his £800,000 release clause must be met in full if he is to depart. It is uncertain whether Charlton will return to the table with another bid. 

The 24-year-old is uncapped by Japan and he has been told he needs to play in Europe if he is to work his way into their World Cup plans for next summer.

Fukuda has featured 86 times for Kyoto, who sit fourth in the J1 League, and if a deal does materialise he would join the trend of several other Japanese players who have made the move to the Championship over recent years.

This includes the likes of Ao Tanaka (Leeds), Tatsuhiro Sakamoto (Coventry) and Yu Hirakawa (Bristol City), with the trio having all impressed in the second tier previously.

Meanwhile, the Addicks’ interest in the right sided defender comes after they had a bid rejected for Hibernian right back Lewis Miller over the weekend as Jones prepares his side for their first season in the Championship in five years.

Charlton, who beat Leyton Orient 1-0 in the League One play-off final in May, have already signed Sonny Carey, Thomas Kaminski, Isaac Olaofe, Amari’i Bell, Reece Burke, Joe Rankin-Costello and Rob Apter this summer.

They kick off their campaign with a home game against Watford at The Valley on August 9.