Cambridge United do not have financial power to sign Charlton Athletic midfielder Conor McGrandles on permanent basis

Cambridge United head coach Mark Bonner has ruled out the possibility of bringing in Conor McGrandles on a permanent deal.

The midfielder joined the U’s during the January transfer window from fellow Sky Bet League One side Charlton Athletic on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.

And he has gone on to impress during his 14 appearances, the most recent of which was another typically energetic display mixed with quality on the ball as Cambridge got the better of rivals Peterborough United at the Abbey Stadium.

However, with the 27-year-old contracted to Charlton until the summer of 2025, Bonner has conceded that United do not have the financial muscle to bring him back to the club next term – regardless of which division they are in.

Asked about the chances of a potential permanent switch, the boss replied: “Absolutely none. People have to understand the market we live in – it isn’t that one unfortunately.

“We can get players like that on loan potentially for a short term period of time, but the likelihood of signing people with long-term contracts at other clubs is very, very difficult.

“We had an unbelievable January window and that needs to be respected. The investment that was made and the strengthening of the squad has been exceptional.

“He’s a top, top player in League One and it will be very difficult for us to sign someone like that permanently and buy someone of that sort of nature.

“Unfortunately that isn’t the market we live in but the summer is a long way off. He’s an excellent player, let’s enjoy him while he’s here and hope he’s as good in the next five games as he has been in the last five.”

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