Gilbey's Charlton move still alive, but the clock is ticking

Alex Gilbey's transfer to Charlton Athletic could still go ahead, but it needs Charlton to sort out their ownership situation, Russell Martin has confirmed.

News of the Player of the Year's move to The Valley broke on Thursday before the Addicks' appeal against a transfer embargo was refused on Friday, throwing the move into doubt.

Although the deal has been nixed by the EFL for now, the Dons boss said it could still go through should Charlton's ownership wranglings be sorted out quickly.

"If he comes back, he comes back, if he goes he goes; it's football," said Martin. "We're on board with what's happening. We accepted a bid, we moved on. If he goes, we're ready.

"This was a scenario we had planned for because he's a good player and we knew there'd be interest. It's an unsettling time for him as well, which must be difficult. I'm in contact with him and we'll try and get it resolved as quickly as possible. We're all comfortable with the situation. We won't let this drag on, there is a time-frame and it's up to them to get it done. If they don't, we'll have to deal with that situation.

"I'm relaxed about it, we all are. We know the plan if he goes or if he stays. We're not hitting the panic button. They have a time-frame, it's not a long one, but we're comfortable.

"This was a move that was appealing to Alex for a number of reasons which I understand and respect. I'm not vilifying Alex. This was one was a move he was keen on, and we discussed it, and we wouldn't want a player who is not happy staying here. Charlton came in with an offer that was acceptable for both of us, Alex agreed a contract and then it all stopped with the embargo.

"He's not forcing a move, it's not us taking a low sum of money which has been suggested. It suited everyone. If a player wants to go, but isn't kicking the door down or spitting his dummy out and is protecting himself and his family and has a better move for him, I don't want players unhappy.

"I have a strong relationship with Alex. A lot of people will be very disappointed if we lose him. I don't know what will happen next."

Gilbey, who has spent three seasons at Stadium MK, is a popular figure among the fans having won the Player of the Year vote in consecutive seasons. But while there were some suggestions the deal was done without Martin knowing, he said: "You have to trust that we're ready for his – not just Alex but if anyone were to go. We don't need to sell him. This isn't the Chairman or Andy Cullen saying we need to sell.

"We're in a strong position financially compared to a lot of other clubs. We got a deal we all felt was acceptable for the club. There is nothing cloak and dagger."