CHARLTON manager Iain Dowie has confirmed that the club have all but given up on signing Costa Rica midfield international Christian Bolanos who impressed while on trial during the summer.

So confident were the Addicks of signing the 22-year-old that he was included in the club’s handbook for the season before complications arose over a work permit.

Boss Iain Dowie said: "It’s a difficult scenario because so many agents have become involved. Peter Varney, the club’s chief executive, has been a massive help but it’s looking less likely."

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