Dale Stephens almost went to Aston Villa in August 2012, but the move broke down over the structure of the transfer fee.

Villa wanted to pay a fairly modest initial payment with the bulk of the potential fee being made up with add ons, based on appearances, league position etc. Reports suggest that Paul Lambert is keen to resurrect the deal before the January transfer window closes.

Stephens has struck up a good understanding with Jordan Cousins in Charlton’s central midfield area and the duo’s partnership has been one of the bright spots of a disappointing season.

The Bolton born 24-year-old has previously expressed a desire to be closer to his Bolton roots and Chris Powell said he would let Stephens go if an acceptable offer came in.

Stephens is currently in fine form and would be a big miss as the Addicks enter a crucial phase of the season. The news comes at a time when all of Charlton’s relegation rivals are bolstering their squads for the season’s run in.

On Saturday, Charlton face Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium in an FA Cup match, that neither set of fans wanted. This is the third consecutive knockout competition that the two sides have been paired together.

Powell will have one eye on Tuesday’s vital clash at Doncaster. Only superior goal difference is keeping the Addicks out of the bottom three. If Rovers avoid defeat at out-of-form Blackpool on Saturday, Charlton will head to the Keepmoat entrenched in the relegation places.

Both Asrtit Ajdarevic and Yohann Thuram-Ulien are now eligible for FA Cup matches and will be in the squad on Saturday.

Ben Alnwick recovered from illness to play at Oxford on Tuesday and is set to retain the gloves.

Michael Morrison may be given a breather and Rhoys Wiggins will serve the second game of his suspension, so will also miss out. Dorian Dervite, Richard Wood and Cedric Evina look likely to join Lawrie Wilson in the back line.

Danny Green may get another outing on the right side of midfield and Powell has said that Jordan Cousins will return for this game. That could mean that Stephens, and possibly Jackson too, will not be risked. Ajdarevic will come into contention for a starting berth.

Yann Kermorgant is another that Powell will probably want to protect with Doncaster in mind, so fit again Marvin Sordell may partner Simon Church up front.

Charlton could look like this:

Alnwick; Wilson, Dervite, Wood, Evina; Green, Cousins, Ajdarevic, Harriott; Church, Sordell.

Subs: Thuram, Morrison, Lennon, Stephens, Jackson, Kermorgant, Pigott.

Stuart Attwell from Warwickshire will be the referee.

With Huddersfield also likely to field a mix and match team, predicting the outcome is difficult. One thing neither club will want though is a replay.