‘On the list’ - Charlton Athletic target bold Birmingham City swoop following Hibernian bid

Charlton Athletic are reportedly interested in signing an out-of-favour Birmingham City forward this January.

The Addicks, currently four points clear of the Championship relegation zone, are eager to bolster their attacking options for the rest of the season. Charlton’s target is undoubtedly to remain in the English second tier and adding more firepower will only improve their chances.

Charlton looked excellent against Championship leaders Coventry City on New Year’s Day but it was a tricky November and December, with just two wins in 10 games throughout that period.

Charlton ‘keen’ on Birmingham City striker

Addicks boss Nathan Jones, hoping to get his team back on track, is reportedly eyeing up a move for a Blues star. The Daily Record claims Charlton are ‘keen’ on Lyndon Dykes, with a January swoop touted.

Jones, said to be eager to add some physicality to his forward options, believes Dykes could be a good fit. The Scotland international, on track to compete at the FIFA World Cup in the summer, has played a cameo role at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this campaign and could reignite his career with a move to the capital.

Scottish Premiership sides Aberdeen and Hibernian targeted a move for Dykes in the summer, with the latter trying their best to lure the striker right up until the final minutes of deadline day. Hibs were close but didn’t quite get the deal over the line.

Fresh start for Dykes?

Despite being unable to solidify a spot in Birmingham’s starting XI throughout his 18-month spell, Dykes has been a handy servant. The 30-year-old has scored some pivotal goes for Blues, notably late on in the Vertu Trophy semi-final against Bradford City last term and in the 98th minute of this August’s last-gasp 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers.

It certainly hasn’t been all sunshine and roses for Dykes at St Andrew’s as he’s largely been an impact substitute rather than a starter. The former Queens Park Rangers man also suffered two long-term injuries, first damaging ankle ligaments before sustaining a nasty calf issue.

Dykes has remained a model professional throughout and deserves a decent run. Charlton, with their two-up-top formation, could guarantee more minutes for the striker.

It may be tricky to force a way into the XI initially with Charlie Kelman, Tanto Olaofe and Miles Leaburn currently sharing the responsibilities at The Valley, but it’s a challenge Dykes is more than capable of taking on.

Valued at just below £1 million by Transfermarkt, Dykes has scored seven goals in 55 appearances for Blues, most of which have been off the bench. In the Championship on the whole, the target-man forward has netted 37 times in 176 career outings, so he’s certainly proven his worth at this level.

Should Birmingham let Dykes join Charlton if they swoop in? And would it be the right move for the Scotsman? Let us know in the comments section.

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