Midfielder Wellens signs new Leyton Orient contract

Charlie Wellens is the son of Leyton Orient's manager Richie

Leyton Orient midfielder Charlie Wellens has signed a new two-year contract with the League One club.

The 22-year-old – who joined the O's from Reading on a short-term deal in August – has agreed to stay at the club until the summer of 2027.

Wellens, who is a product of the Manchester United academy, also has the option of a third year should he make a certain number of appearances, having scored twice in nine games so far this season.

"I worked really hard over the summer to earn my first contract here but, with that only taking me until January, it made me even hungrier to fight to prove myself," Wellens told the club website.

"I think I'm beginning to show what I am about and I'm really enjoying playing in this team. We have got some top, top players and I believe that, if we can show consistency, we have the ability to match any other team in our league."

Orient are 13th in the table ahead of Saturday's away game against Rotherham United, having reached the play-offs last season.

"Charlie brings us a lot of quality, composure and intelligence in lots of areas across the pitch; he has earned his new contract," head coach Richie Wellens said.

"He is improving with every game, and I expect him to keep getting better with the more matches he plays."