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Charlton signed 33-year-old Darren Pratley on his release from Bolton Wanderers in the summer, but boss Lee Bowyer should now consider a January move for Walsall's George Dobson as a long-term solution in holding midfield.

What's the situation?

Charlton are currently sat in sixth in League One having won eight, drawn four and lost five of their first 17 games of the campaign so far. Their last outing in the league was actually a trip to Dobson's Walsall where they came away with the three points thanks to goals from Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik in a 2-0 victory.

Summer signing Pratley has been a success for Bowyer, playing in 12 matches in all competitions in a defensive midfield role that offers his back four protection and the midfield two in front of him license to get further forward.

However, the former Fulham and Swansea man isn't getting any younger and when he doesn't play Bowyer is often forced to change the formation. Signing Dobson then should be a priority as it would avoid the need for this and he could slot straight into the side.

Long-term move

Dobson began his youth career with Arsenal before moving to West Ham in 2015. From there he spent the 2016/17 season on loan with his current club Walsall, but the now 20-year-old only signed for The Saddlers on a permanent deal after a brief spell with Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam.

This term, the young Englishman has played every minute of Walsall’s League One campaign and has even captained the side in all but one game despite his young age, proving that he is highly thought of at his current club.

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