The most persistent of the early transfer rumours concern John Bostock and Marcus Browne.

One time Crystal Palace prodigy Bostock is still only 27-years-old. He is on a season long loan at Nottingham Forest from Toulouse, but has struggled for game time.

Browne is a 22-year-old winger or attacking midfielder who is on Middlesbrough’s books. Either player would be a loan signing and the Addicks only have one loan spot available following the recent arrival of Aston Villa’s Andre Green.

Charlton will have to be cute in this month’s window, and the arrival of Bostock or Browne looks possible rather than probable.

Given the recent injury to Macauley Bonne, Lee Bowyer’s main focus will be on bringing another striker to The Valley.

Of more immediate concern is today’s Third Round FA Cup tie with West Brom. Both sides will field weakened teams, with avoiding any injuries more important than winning the game. Few, if any regular first teamers will be involved, and the game will be played in front of a sparse crowd.

It is sad for those who fondly remember the days when the Cup was a magical competition. 

The Addicks could give a first run out to Green, and recently returned loanees Taylor Maloney, Toby Stephenson and Brendan Wiredu are all likely to start.

Youngsters, Ben Dempsey and Alfie Doughty have been involved with the first team recently, but are cup-tied, having played in the competition while on loan earlier in the season.

Albie Morgan appeared to pick up a knock at Swansea on Thursday and Bowyer may opt not to risk him. No manager likes to lose any game, but this one will not be high on either manager’s priority list. The last thing they will want is a replay.