CHARLTON are closing in on a deal to sign Jamaican striker Ricardo Fuller.

The 32-year-old is a free agent after being released by Stoke at the end of last season and looked set to join Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

Chris Powell became aware of Fuller’s availability after being asked a question at last Thursday’s weekly pre-match press conference about newspaper reports linking Charlton to the player.

The Valley chief at the time said it was news to him but the suggestion clearly intrigued Powell and he quickly acted to lure the forward south.

Fuller's arrival in SE7 could be confirmed within the next 24 hours, possibly even before this evening’s game with Leicester.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt