Charlton Athletic make Cambridge United keeper Will Mannion first incoming deal – with several senior stopper options being considered

Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of goalkeeper Will Mannion on a three-year contract.

Our website exclusively revealed on May 23 that the stopper, who is out of contract this summer, was a target for the Addicks.

And the Addicks have confirmed Mannion, on AFC Wimbledon’s books as a youngster, as their first incoming deal of the summer transfer window.

Charlton are also in the market for another experienced goalkeeper and have spoken to several options.

The South Londoners are ready to move on Harry Isted and Ashley Maynard-Brewer, who have both generated interest.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones told the club’s website: “He’s an experienced goalkeeper. We’re looking to improve every department over the summer in what is a big recruitment window for us.

“We identified Will as a real good goalkeeper who has done fantastically well at Cambridge and he did well against us in the game that he played. He’s someone that’s a real good profile in terms of size, he’s on his way up, he’s really hungry and he wants to get to and play at a higher level. That’s what attracted us to him.

“He’ll provide real good competition to those who we bring into that department and obviously he brings a real talent to it. We want to improve the department.

“We’re looking to bring in two goalkeepers to have a real competitive edge to them and two we believe can play at not just this level, but also can play at the level above.”

Mannion said: “It feels great to be here. When the manager called me, it definitely perked my ears up.

“Collectively, the goal is to push for promotion. That was made clear when I spoke to the gaffer, and that’s something that drew me to the club, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”

Charlton technical director Andy Scott added:

Andy Scott commented: “The goalkeeping position is one that Nathan has identified as a key area to strengthen during this transfer window.

“Will’s tall and is an excellent shotstopper who commands his area and joins us on the back of a very impressive last few months of the season, having played a key role coming into the Cambridge team to help them retain their League One status.

“Our focus this summer is on adding quality to the squad to help set the standards and to supplement the young talent we already have, creating a healthy competition for places. While we’re really pleased Will has joined us, our intention is to bring another goalkeeper in to compete with the other goalkeepers at the club for that position in the starting line-up.”