3 Lyndon Dykes alternatives Charlton Athletic must consider as Leicester join Birmingham City race | OneFootball

FLW has looked at three alternatives to Lyndon Dykes Charlton Athletic must consider

Leicester City have joined Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic in the race for Birmingham City striker Lyndon Dykes this January, with the Addicks potentially being forced to look elsewhere due to the strength in competition.

Charlton Athletic are among the lowest goalscorers in the EFL Championship this season, with Nathan Jones' side having struggled in front of goal.

Prior to Charlie Kelman's brace away to Blackburn Rovers, the Addicks striker's options, consisting of Isaac Olaofe and Miles Leaburn as well as Kelman, had netted just four goals between them in the league all season.

Matt Godden has spent the entire season out injured thus far, leading to a shortage up top, with links to Birmingham City forward Lyndon Dykes surfacing.

Dykes has struggled for game time for the Blues this campaign, but Charlton now faces competition from both Leicester City and Ipswich Town for the Scotsman's signature.

With this revelation, FLW has looked at three alternatives Charlton should look at instead of Dykes this January.

Michael Frey

Michael Frey has seen his game time massively stunted this season under Julien Stephan at Queens Park Rangers.

The Swiss forward, who signed fresh terms with the R's just last summer, has made just 13 league appearances this season without directly contributing to a goal in that period.

West London Sport reported that the 31-year-old is likely to leave the club this January in search of more playing time, and a switch to Charlton could be a possibility.

His £15k-per-week wage packet, according to Capology, may prove to be a stumbling block in any exit, though, having not appeared in a matchday squad since December, it's clear he is not part of Stephan's plans in West London.

I similar forward in stature to that of Dykes, Frey may be a sensible alternative to the Scot, and with Kelman having already travelled the same path just this summer, Frey could well do the same this winter.

Cameron Archer

Cameron Archer was once one of the Championship's standout strikers, smashing in goals for the likes of Preston North End and Middlesbrough, but since his Boro stint, he hasn't been the same player.

One year in the Premier League with Sheffield United has seemed to have knocked the confidence out of him, as with Southampton, he has yet to find his feet, making just six starts for the Saints this campaign, firmly behind Adam Armstrong in the pecking order.

With Ross Stewart returning from injury and Koryu Matsuki also offering competition, with just a one-striker formation often being deployed, Southampton will likely shift a forward in January, with Archer being the obvious option.

Signed for £15 million in the summer and under contract until 2028, it's unlikely a permanent deal for the former England youth international would be struck.

However, a loan deal could be on the cards, with Archer desperately needing a consistent run in the division to find his confidence again. Charlton could prove to be a good option, though whether Southampton would be willing to part ways remains to be seen.

Davis Keillor-Dunn

As FLW exclusively revealed, Barnsley are willing to part ways with 28-year-old star forward Davis Keillor-Dunn this January.

The former Mansfield Town man has hit 11 goals and grabbed one assist in League One this season, and is among the Tykes' most sellable assets.

With Barnsley keen to raise funds, the sale of Keillor-Dunn, whilst likely unpopular with Tykes supporters, may be a necessary one, and Charlton should make a move this winter.

Middlesbrough, Preston, and Blackburn Rovers all reportedly sent scouts to watch Keillor-Dunn in Barnsley's 4-1 defeat against Liverpool, and the Addicks should join the race.

What sort of fee Barnsley would command remains to be seen, but Keillor-Dunn has consistently proven he knows where the net is throughout his career, and a move to the second tier with Charlton may prove to be the perfect next step for him in his career, and the perfect fit for the Addicks, who are in desperate need of a goalscoring touch up top.