Charlton Athletic 'close in' on transfer as Birmingham City eye £300k 'statement coup'

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has made no secret of his desire to get transfer business concluded early this summer at The Valley as he prepares for his first full season in charge of the club.

The Addicks have already confirmed the signing of Will Mannion this week, as well as dropping another transfer hint.

Charlton feature alongside Birmingham City and Wrexham in your Thursday League One round-up.

Charlton Athletic close to Championship coup

Charlton Athletic are set to make Millwall defender Alex Mitchell the club's second signing of the summer.

That's according to London News Online, with the outlet reporting that the Addicks are 'closing in' on a deal to bring the centre-back to The Valley from their London rivals. Mitchell has another year left of his contract at The Den but isn't a fixture in Neil Harris' immediate first team plans.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Lincoln City, making 36 League One appearances, and will arrive at Charlton Athletic with third tier experience as well as plenty of potential.

The player has also spent time on loan at Leyton Orient in the past but is set to join Charlton Athletic on a permanent deal as Millwall look to cash in before his deal expires next year.

Birmingham City knock at door of Premier League club

Birmingham City are believed to be one of the frontrunners to complete a deal for Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard as Chris Davies prepares to lead the team in League One.

The Blues have competition from newly promoted Championship side Oxford United and League One newcomers Wrexham to secure the 22-year-old's services, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The player is expected to cost in excess of £300,000 when add-ons are included.

Leonard joined Brighton from Hearts in 2018 but has made just two first team appearances for the Seagulls. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Northampton Town, playing 46 times in League One and being named the club's Player of the Season with five goals and six assists. Given Leonard’s prowess in the third tier, the signing would be a statement coup for Birmingham City.