Charlton Athletic move for 'terrific' transfer after promotion as QPR star courted by Sheffield United

Charlton Athletic are tipped to make a move for Blackpool defender Jordan Gabriel this summer having achieved promotion to the Championship on Sunday.

The Addicks beat Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final and must now prepare for a return to the second tier, where they have not played football since 2020. Speaking after the match, Nathan Jones acknowledged the step up needed from Charlton Athletic and that is set to start in the transfer window.

Former Everton and Southampton man Thierry Small is out of contract this summer and is not short of suitors, even if Jones hopes that the 20-year-old extends his stay at The Valley. Should he not, then Gabriel could become an option.

Charlton Athletic lead race for Blackpool defender

The 26-year-old is set to leave Blackpool at the end of his contract this summer and transfer specialist Alan Nixon claimed that Charlton Athletic are front of the queue to sign the player. The Addicks are not the only club linked with Reading, Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale and Mansfield also named.

Gabriel has been somewhat of a fringe player under Steve Bruce since early March and is expected to prioritise playing time when it comes to his next club. The defender made 37 appearances across the 2024/25 campaign but only six of those came after his last start against Peterborough on March 3.

Bruce nonetheless praised the player. Explaining his decision to let Gabriel leave, Bruce said: “He’s been a terrific servant. He hasn’t been in the team this year but he reminded us what he can do when he came on today (against Bristol Rovers). He could’ve scored three or four.

“He started really well for me, and came out of the team because his wife gave birth. Odel (Offiah) then took his position and results went well. That’s football - that’s the way it is, it can give you a kicking now and then. It’s my job to pick a team that can win every week. As soon as I saw Jordan, I enjoyed what I saw. He gives you everything he’s got, he’s athletic and quick, and has never let the squad down.”

QPR star targeted by Sheffield United

Alan Nixon has also reported that another full-back could be on the move in the Championship. QPR defender Jimmy Dunne is another player out of contract this summer and yet to sign a new deal.

The QPR Player of the Season was hotly tipped to make a move to Sheffield United in January as Chris Wilder looked for reinforcements ahead of a transfer push. Nothing came of those reports but Nixon claims that the Blades are still interested given they missed out on promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final.

The R’s are yet to confirm their retained list as questions remain over the future of Marti Cifuentes. Dunne signed a one-year extension at the club last year and only missed one Championship match for QPR over the 2024/25 season.

In other news, Nathan Jones warns Charlton Athletic fans not to be 'idiots' ahead of Championship campaign.