Town midfielder Martijn Reuser says he was surprised to be offered a free transfer by Town, but that at the moment he has greater concerns with his wife expecting a baby in the next few days.

The Dutchman says: "Being told I was being given a free transfer came as quite a surprise I can tell you, but I'm not really thinking about that right now.

"This sort of thing happens in football but I will see about that at a later date. Right now I'm more worried about my wife and the baby, which is due any day now."

Already the speculation has started about who might be interested in taking him. Division One leaders Portsmouth are claimed to be interested, but as yet Joe Royle says he has had no enquiries: "I have not had any enquiries about Martijn as yet but it is early.

"It wouldn't make any difference which club came in for him. It is not about football, it is about business. We are not in a position to prevent Martijn going to any club who are prepared to take him on and look after him."

In the summer Charlton wanted Reuser on but the need for a knee operation scuppered that switch.

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