Charlton Athletic making progress on deal for Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley
Charlton Athletic are progressing with a deal for Jayden Stockley – as they look to make the popular loanee their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Portsmouth had also targeted the Preston North End striker after his highly successful stay in SE7 in the second half of last season.
But their local media reported yesterday that Stockley had performed a U-turn and was set to join the Addicks.
Our Friday edition of the paper underlined that the 27-year-old’s number one preference was to make a permanent switch to Charlton.
Stockley loved his time in South London and the Poole-born targetman wanted to head closer to home.
Sheffield Wednesday are also understood to have been in the mix, but their location was always liable to count against them.
Stockley scored eight goals in 22 appearances for Charlton and started 20 of the 23 League One matches he was available for.
His likely arrival will be a big boost as manager Nigel Adkins will secure a frontman who has been in demand by a number of clubs in England’s third tier.
Chuks Aneke, Charlton’s top scorer last season, is out of contract at the start of next month. But Stockley was usually picked to start ahead of the former MK and Arsenal man, whose impact tended to be more effective off the bench.
PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS