Charlton Athletic facing fresh Hull City, Reading FC transfer threat | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic have already given Josh Hebert a trial amid transfer interest from EFL rivals

Charlton Athletic are aiming to survive in the Championship after gaining promotion from League One last season.

The Addicks made their return with a play-off final victory over Leyton Orient, earning their place in the second tier for the first time since 2020.

The South London outfit are nine points clear of the relegation zone with 10 games still to play, so there is a level of comfort in their position in the second division.

However, the team will still need to pick up a few results in the next few weeks before the club can start planning for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Charlton will be keen to strengthen their first team squad, with their sights set on maintaining their place in the Championship, and perhaps even climbing into a promotion contender in the long run.

However, they are already experiencing competition as their first transfer targets of the summer start to emerge.

Charlton Athletic face Hull City and Reading transfer competition

It has been reported by Surrey Live that Charlton are being rivalled by Hull City and Reading for the signature of Josh Hebert.

The teenager is being targeted by a number of EFL clubs following his impressive performances at non-league level.

The Dorking Wanderers attacking-midfielder has already gone on trial with the Addicks, and further enquiries have been made by rival teams.

The 18-year-old has spent three weeks with Charlton, even featuring for the U21 side against Millwall last month.

But it’s believed that Reading and Hull are both keen on the youngster, and it remains to be seen where his future lies.

Dorking Wanderers are currently leading the way at the top of the National League South table, but the chance to sign for a Championship or League One side will be quite enticing for the playmaker.

He has already made 12 appearances for the club in the league, contributing one goal and one assist as they set their sights on promotion.

Meanwhile, Charlton are currently 18th in the Championship table, nine points clear of Leicester City in 22nd.

However, Hull are fifth and in contention for a play-off place under Sergej Jakirovic, with the team six points clear of Derby County in seventh.

Reading are in the third tier of English football, but Leam Richardson’s side are in contention for a play-off place of their own, with the team just one point behind sixth place Huddersfield Town and with a game in hand.

Charlton could have Josh Hebert advantage due to trial

There is a lot of excitement around Hebert given he is already earning senior experience at the age of 18, even if it is at a non-league level.

The youngster has now spent time at Charlton, and they have been able to evaluate him up close and compare him to their other youngsters.

That could be what gives them the edge in the pursuit of his signature, and he would be a very promising signing for the club in the long run.

It could take one or two years before he breaks into the first team squad at the Valley, and he will sign knowing that will be the case, but bringing him in the door and getting to know him personally could give them a big advantage over their rivals in the race for his signature.