Is Junior Ligue set for Charlton Athletic? Nathan Jones expecting "another one in the building" | OneFootball

The Addicks are in the market for a new left-sided defender this month.

Charlton Athletic are interested in signing FC Zurich left-back Junior Ligue this month as Nathan Jones looks to bring in a natural replacement for the injured Josh Edwards.

The Addicks are reportedly keen on a deal that would see the 20-year-old move to The Valley on loan with an obligation to buy, as per 4-4-2.com.

The defender, who is named Calixte Paul Ligue Junior, but primarily goes by Junior Ligue, has made nine appearances in the Swiss Super League so far this season.

He was not included in the FC Zurich squad that travelled to Servette FC on Sunday, before it was reported that he had left training for transfer negotiations with another club on Monday.

A fresh report has revealed that Charlton made a second bid for Ligue on Wednesday, but with 'details to be clarified' between the clubs and interest from elsewhere, any deal is yet to be concluded.

Charlton Athletic face competition to sign Junior Ligue

According to 4-4-2.com, the Addicks are not the only club that has shown an interest in signing Ligue this month.

It was reported two weeks ago that FC Zurich's divisional rivals BSC Young Boys were interested in signing Ligue as a replacement for the injured Jaouen Hadjam, but that deal does not currently seem 'concrete' following an exchange between the clubs.

Serie B side Venezia, who are pushing for a return to the top tier in Italy this season, have also reportedly made contact with FC Zurich over a deal for Junior Ligue. The two clubs are said to have a good relationship after midfielder Cheick Conde made the move from Switzerland to Italy this time last year.

Ligue has impressed as a left-back in the top flight of Swiss football, having previously been a forward, which could mean he has the attacking instincts required to be an effective left wing-back in Nathan Jones' system.

There are some question marks over his discipline both on and off the pitch, as he has picked up four yellow cards in nine league games this season and has been 'banned internally for disciplinary reasons' by his club in the past.

Nathan Jones expects a new signing this week

Nathan Jones expects a new signing to arrive at The Valley ahead of the Addicks' trip to Millwall on Saturday, as per South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition.

"Hopefully we will have another one in the building by the weekend," Jones said.

"It has been a problem position for us. We haven't got a left-back in the building."

Charlton have been without a natural left wing-back since Josh Edwards suffered an injury against Blackburn Rovers in September, meaning a number of players have had to feature out-of-position in that role this term, including Tyreece Campbell, Onel Hernandez, Ibrahim Fullah and Amari'i Bell.

Jerome Roussillon joined on a free transfer in November, but he has not been deemed fit enough to feature in the Championship.

Edwards has now suffered a setback in his recovery, meaning that signing a new left-back is an even bigger priority.

"Josh has had a setback," Jones said.

"It is a tough one. It has been a catastrophic one for us. We have really missed him."