Will Charlton Athletic sign striker free agent outside transfer window? Johnnie Jackson answers that question

Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson is not expecting to sign a striker who is a free agent before the end of this season.

The Addicks sold Mason Burstow to Chelsea on transfer deadline day but the Premier League giants have loaned the frontman back for the remainder of the campaign.

Charlton are depleted in that area with Jayden Stockley absent due to a hip injury while Josh Davison was sent on loan to Swindon Town.

Conor Washington, Chuks Aneke and Burstow are the main striking options available to the Addicks boss.

Jackson had confirmed his admiration for Jermain Defoe but the former Charlton youngster, now 39, signed for Sunderland after being released by Glasgow Rangers.

Asked about the free agent market, Jackson told the South London Press: “If something of interest came up then Thomas [Sandgaard] would be open to it, but I don’t think there is a lot out there. Jermain was the obvious one and he has gone to Sunderland.

“We had a look around but a few that we had in mind or loanees did go to clubs. Jermain was the only out of contract one than I can think of, unless there was someone that popped up on the last day and got paid up. There aren’t any really on the radar at the moment.

“Jermain was definitely of interest because he is someone I know well and played with. He’s a top player, isn’t he? You have to take an interest but the vibes were always that he had that connection with Sunderland before and was going to go down that road. We never explored it too heavily.”