Charlton switch attention to Vassell

Charlton are ready to turn their attention to Aston Villa's Darius Vassell if they miss out on James Beattie.

Alan Curbishley wants to sign another striker before the end of the month and has made the Southampton goalscorer his top target.

But Charlton's manager has been told by Southampton that the £6million he is prepared to pay would not be enough and the London club look to be behind Aston Villa in the running for the 26-year-old.

If their manager, David O'Leary, gets Beattie, that would affect Vassell's firstteam chances at Villa Park and Charlton are ready to offer him an alternative.

Curbishley has already made six signings this summer including Danny Murphy, Dennis Rommedahl and Francis Jeffers. As well as another striker there could be more new faces on the way.

Curbishley is a long-term admirer of Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid and is ready to make an offer for the transfer-listed 22-year-old if Nottingham Forest drop their £5m asking price.

He also hopes to bring in a defender before the transfer window closes after Richard Rufus and Gary Rowett were forced into early retirement through injury.

Curbishley is expected to make several changes to the team hammered 4-1 at Bolton for tomor row's visit of Portsmouth. Captain Matt Holland is out with an ankle injury and could be replaced by new signing Bryan Hughes, while Danish winger Rommedahl will make his first start for the club.

Jeffers is also pushing for a start but Curbishley is more likely to make changes at the back, with Talal El Karkouri set to replace Jonathan Fortune.

Hughes is hoping that Holland's injury will convince Curbishley to play him in his favourite central midfield role.

He said: "I'm not sure what the manager's plans are but with Matt being injured he could turn to me. I want to get into the team and play every game. I can play anywhere across the midfield but prefer to play in the centre. I'm sure Dennis will come back to give us some width and hopefully I'll get a run in the centre.

"We didn't perform against Bolton and I'll be glad to get onto the next game. It's a long season and we can't be judged on one game. We'll go out with a different frame of mind against Portsmouth because we know we need to get the season started."

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