MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Marcus Browne is currently locked in talks with League One side Charlton Athletic over a permanent move to London.

Reports suggested that Browne was due to arrive for a medical yesterday ahead of a loan move but it’s understood that the Addicks are looking to negotiate a permanent move for the 24-year-old. Talks have been progressing between the club and the player but there is work to be done before the deal is completed.

Browne had been in discussions with a number of teams last week but it’s understood that Charlton Athletic are now the frontrunners to complete a deal.

The 24-year-old signed in the summer of 2019 but his time on Teesside has been hampered by injury. He’s made just 18 league appearances scoring two goals.

The former West Ham United youngster was loaned out to Oxford United in his first season with the team where he scored four League One goals in 11 appearances.

The attacker is working his way back to full fitness following a long-term knee injury he suffered in an FA Cup tie against Brentford that kept him out for a full calendar year. However, Boro boss Chris Wilder has deemed him surplus to requirements and he has been given permission to leave the club.

Despite the fact that he has been out of the team, Wilder has been quick to praise Browne for his attitude in training.

Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson was asked about Browne’s availability at the weekend but remained coy on the format of a potential deal.

He said:c “I know about Marcus Browne, he is a very good player. He’s someone I know very well and has been involved at this level for a good number of years.

“I’m not going to comment on individual players and targets. We’ve got our business that we’re trying to conduct and go about it in a professional way. We’ll see what happens in the next 10 days.”

Boro striker Uche Ikpeazu and midfielder James Lea-Siliki are the other players currently allowed to leave the club before the end of the January transfer window. Lea-Siliki is currently on international duty with Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations.