The 22-year-old Frenchman's future has been in doubt since the turn of the year, when he told Keegan shortly after his arrival as manager that he wanted to leave.

The manager said: "Charles' pre-season has been absolutely tremendous.

"That's a massive boost for me because I did not know quite how he would come back. But he has returned absolutely spot-on.

"He has worked very hard, and he's a very valuable player because he can play in two or three different positions.

"I haven't talked with him. I don't ask players if they want to stay. They have got contracts.

"His attitude tells me, 'Yes', but I don't ask them."