A major update has emerged in Charlton's reported transfer pursuit of Preston North End centre-forward Jayden Stockley.

What's the talk?

According to Hampshire Live, Stockley has decided to sign for Nigel Adkins' Charlton. The striker spent the second half of last season on loan to Charlton and is now set to return to The Valley for a second spell.

The report claims that Portsmouth had agreed a fee with Preston for the attacker, but Charlton are now in pole position to land Stockley on a permanent deal in the coming weeks. Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Ipswich are also named as teams who have been interested in Stockley.

Charlton appear to have beaten off competition from Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Ipswich, who could all be rivals for the Addicks in the promotion race next season. The sought-after attacker, Stockley, has seemingly chosen Charlton ahead of the others and may get the chance to explain his decision if the deal is officially announced this week, as expected.

Fans will love it

Charlton fans will love this latest update on the race to sign Stockley. The Preston man enjoyed a successful loan spell at The Valley and Charlton fans could now get a chance to see him play for the club in person if supporters are allowed back in grounds from the start of next season in League One, as expected.

This report suggests that Charlton fans will get that chance and Adkins could get a major boost to his squad heading into the 2021/22 campaign, as Stockley was exceptional for the club during his loan spell.

The £5.1k-per-week ace averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.41 in League One during his loan spell as he scored eight and assisted two goals. This shows that he was able to perform to a consistently high level and that he suited Adkins' style of play, which may be why he wants to come back to the club for a second spell instead of sealing a transfer to Pompey.

He also won an unbelievable 9.8 aerial battles per game, as he was able to provide a focal point for the Addicks at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Stockley signing for Charlton on a permanent deal should be a massive boost for Adkins. He has proven that he is a top-quality player at League One level and understands what Adkins wants from his number nine, which means that he should not need any time to settle in.

Stockley could arrive for pre-season and hit the ground running as he will already know everyone at the club and will not need a period of adaptation that other potential signings may need. This is why fans will surely love this deal, as they know that a proven, quality addition is coming through the door.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges on “immense” £5.4k-p/w star that will leave Charlton fans relieved...