'Deal done': Charlton Athletic beat Swansea City to sign 'real quality' ex Brentford midfielder

Charlton Athletic have completed the loan signing of Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Alex Gilbert on transfer Deadline Day in a serious coup for the League One outfit.

The 23-year-old, who is a versatile option and can play across the frontline, had been linked with a move to Championship side Swansea City this month with opportunities hard to come by under Michael Carrick at the Riverside Stadium this term. Gilbert has been afforded just seven second tier outings in a season that has been stop-start due to an injury.

However, Gilbert has arrived at The Valley in search of greater playing time on loan until the end of the season. The Republic of Ireland youth international becomes the Addicks' first signing of the January window.

Charlton Athletic break transfer strategy for Middlesbrough star

Manager Nathan Jones told the club website: "I'm delighted to have him. We’ve been looking to add more quality in the final third and Alex provides that. He comes with decent pedigree having played in a very good Championship side this season, who trust us to further his development.

"We don’t really like taking players on loan, but when an opportunity comes up to add real quality, like this, we have to take it."

Earlier this month, Football League World had claimed that Swansea City had been looking at a swoop for Gilbert with midfield reinforcements wanted. However, it is the League One side that have won that transfer race.

Speaking about the transfer, Technical Director Andy Scott added: "Our focus in this window has been on streamlining the squad to ensure Nathan has players that are going to contribute to the run-in and adding real quality to our team that improves us.

"We’ve been chasing Alex for a while now and we’re really pleased he’s joined us. We believe he has the ability to positively impact the team as he has done a number of times for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He has great quality in the final third, gives us something different in those forward positions and we’re looking forward to watching him in action for Charlton."

The midfielder is a product of the West Brom academy and went on to continue his progress with Brentford. He made his senior debut for the Bees in January 2021 during an FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.

Gilbert eventually joined Boro in July 2023 and made 15 appearances across all competitions last term. He scored against Cardiff City last season and was on target against Hull City this term on New Year's Day.

Gilbert ‘buzzing’ to arrive at The Valley

Charlton Athletic drew 1-1 at Blackpool on Saturday and return to action with the visit of Stevenage this weekend. The Addicks sit seventh in League One, level on points with Leyton Orient in sixth and the play-off places.

Speaking as he arrived at The Valley, Gilbert said: "I'm buzzing to finally get it done and finally be down here. Hopefully I'll get involved with the lads in the next session, get training and get ready for the games.

"Nathan Jones has been a big part of the reason that I've come. He's obviously a good, experienced Manager who has managed at a very high level, so it's been good talking to him. He's definitely sold it to me to want to come here."

In other news, Championship side Millwall are reportedly 'in talks' with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of a 'phenomenal' youth star.