The East Anglian Daily Times have reported that Colchester have accepted a bid from the Addicks for talented midfielder, Anthony Wordsworth.

Wordsworth has long been on Charlton’s wanted list and the Camden born 24-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to The Valley, where he was once a youth team player.

At the beginning of last week there were various stories circulating that Wordsworth was going to sign for Ipswich. The Tractor Boys may have been interested in Wordsworth but it is also possible Colchester may have leaked the story to try to force Charlton’s hand.

There were stories in the national press on Monday saying that Hogan Ephraim, a former Addicks loanee, was going to join Thierry Henry and Lloyd Sam at New York Red Bulls. On Tuesday, the Daily Star carried a story linking Ephraim with a move to The Valley.

Again, Ephraim may have been on the club’s radar, but it is possible the story emanated from South London in an attempt to get Colchester to accept Charlton’s bid for Wordsworth. Ephraim, though right footed, is also a left sided player and the Addicks would not sign both him and Wordsworth.

The problem the Essex side have is that Wordsworth’s contract expires in the summer and unless they sell him this month, the player will walk away for nothing at the end of his current deal.

With little time left to finalise a move, the buying club has the whip hand and will be able to drive the price down.

Wordsworth has often featured on the left of midfield but is more suited to a central role. The Addicks have needed cover on the left for some while now and if they complete the deal, Chris Powell will then intensify his search for a striker.