Charlton Athletic are seeking to stay in the Championship after being promoted from League One last season.

The Addicks returned to the second division with a play-off final victory over Leyton Orient, marking their first appearance since 2020.

With 10 games remaining, the South London club sits nine points clear of the relegation zone, giving them some confidence in their second-tier status.

However, the team will need to produce a few results in the following weeks before the club can begin planning for the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Charlton will be eager to bolster their first-team squad, with the goal of keeping their Championship status and possibly rising to the ranks of promotion contenders in the future.

However, they are already facing competition as their first transfer targets for the summer surface.

Charlton Athletic faces Hull City and Reading transfer competition.

According to Surrey Live, Charlton is up against Hull City and Reading for the signing of Josh Hebert.

Following his strong non-league achievements, a number of EFL clubs are interested in signing the teenager.

The Dorking Wanderers attacking midfielder has previously undergone a trial with the Addicks, and other clubs have expressed interest.

The 18-year-old has been at Charlton for three weeks, and even played for the U21s against Millwall last month.

However, Reading and Hull City are also thought to be interested in the kid, and it is unclear where his future lies.

Dorking Wanderers are presently top of the National League South table, but the opportunity to join a Championship or League One club will be very appealing to the playmaker.

He has now made 12 league appearances for the team, scoring one goal and providing one assist as they aim for promotion.

Meanwhile, Charlton is currently 18th in the Championship table, nine points ahead of Leicester City in 22nd.

However, under Sergej Jakirovic, Hull are fifth and in contention for a play-off spot, six points ahead of Derby County in seventh.

Reading are in the third tier of English football, but Leam Richardson’s side is in contention for a play-off spot, trailing sixth-place Huddersfield Town by one point and with a game in hand.

Charlton could have Josh Hebert advantage owing to the trial.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding Hebert because he is already gaining senior experience at the age of 18, although at a non-league level.

The youngster has now spent time with Charlton, allowing them to study him closely and compare him to their other young players.

That could be what gives them an advantage in their pursuit of his signature, and he would be a highly promising addition to the club in the long run.

It could take one or two years for him to break into the Valley’s first team, and he will sign knowing that, but bringing him in and getting to know him personally could provide them a significant advantage over their competitors in the contest for his signature.