Charlton cool interest in Port Vale’s Uche Ikpeazu but Michael Appleton says striker search continues

Charlton Athletic head coach Michael Appleton has confirmed that the club have cooled their interest in Port Vale forward Uche Ikpeazu – but he hopes to still be active in the transfer market before the end of the window.

Ikpeazu, 28, was at Sparrows Lane for a medical yesterday. The Addicks have since secured the services of Ipswich striker Freddie Ladapo on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The South Londoners had also had a bid accepted for Peterborough’s Jonson Clarke-Harris but have been unable to agree personal terms with the attacker.

Appleton explained: “I don’t think [Ikpeazu will join]. I’m sure we’ll be continuing to work really hard to try and improve us. If there’s an opportunity to bring in another striker at the level that we want and expect then I’m sure we’ll be able to do that. But I don’t see that one happening.

“There potentially could be [more arrivals shortly]. Are they going to be absolutely imminent, who knows? There’s potentially one or maybe two who might walk through the door. But in doing so the reality is that one or two might have to leave as well. We’re mindful of that also.”

Ladapo made his Addicks bow during the 2-0 loss at Burton Albion on Saturday – forcing Max Crocombe into a pair of early saves.

On his debut, Appleton said: “A lot of his football has been off the bench lately at Ipswich. I think he did play a couple of weeks back from the start of the game. Once he’s up to speed and his sharpness is where he wants it, we’ll see a Freddie Ladapo who is going to score a lot of goals for the club.

“There were glimpses of it today, what he’s more than capable of. Some decent bits of combination play between him and Alfie [May] at times and we’re try and build on that.”