Huddersfield’s American born midfielder, Duane Holmes, could be Russell Slade’s first signing.

The 21-year-old has been released by Huddersfield, so is a free agent. Holmes is also a target for Barnsley and Portsmouth, but The Valley looks his most likely destination.

Colchester’s George Moncur is a highly rated midfielder who is high on Charlton’s wanted list, though they have yet to agree a fee for him. Barnsley are also interested, but a move to London may appeal more to Moncur.

The South London Press has reported that 30-year-old winger, Mark Duffy, has rejected Charlton to link up with Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.

It is thought the Addicks’ financial package bettered what the Blades offered. Duffy spent the season on loan at Burton from Birmingham, and performed well enough to be included in the League One Team Of The Year.

Another winger interesting Charlton is Northampton’s Ricky Holmes. South Yorkshire duo, Barnsley and Sheffield United, are also in the hunt for the 28-year-old.

The Blades interest may cool now they have secured Duffy’s services though. Holmes was born in Rochford and could be another who would be happier with a move south.

Slade will need to bring in a striker or two, with a target man possibly his top priority. Slade worked with Kenwyne Jones at Cardiff, and the Trinidadian has now been released by the Bluebirds.

Jones’ wage demands may have to be moderated to make a move to South London a realistic possibility.

A striker Slade is keen on is Tony Watt. His loan stint at Cardiff was due to be made permanent in January, but the Bluebirds were hit with a transfer embargo.

Watt is currently recovering from surgery and may struggle to be fit for the start of the season. The young Scot also impressed in a loan spell at Blackburn before he was injured.

It was thought Watt would leave The Valley this summer, but the combination of fitness issues and Slade’s arrival, may keep him in South London until January at least.

A few interesting weeks lie ahead.