Birmingham City look set to miss out on transfer target Marcus Maddison, with the attacking midfielder set to join Charlton Athletic.

The 26-year-old has scored nine goals and weighed in with six assists for The Posh this season, making him one of the most productive players in the third tier.

However, he could be set to make the step up to the Championship, with Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony confirming on Twitter that the Addicks have been given permission to speak to Maddison after agreeing a fee.

He later revealed that Blues had been in for the player too, stating that he had rejected two bids from Pep Clotet's side for the left-footer.

And, here we look at THREE reasons why Blues should go back in for Maddison...

They need more goals in the team

We'll start with the obvious - Birmingham need to score more goals. They are reliant on Lukas Jutkiewicz and Clotet's attacking midfielders haven't chipped in with enough.

Even though Maddison is unproven at this level, he has scored plenty of goals in the third tier and is ready to make the step up, with all the signs suggested he would be a major goal threat.

He could be a bargain

The fee that Charlton have agreed hasn't been disclosed but it's expected to be around £2.5m given Maddison's contract situation.

In today's market, that is acceptable for a Championship club and it should be a deal that's affordable and realistic for Blues, despite their issues with the EFL.

If everything went to plan, this could look a bargain in the years to come.

QUIZ: Can you name these 14 ex-Birmingham City strikers?

He is a long-term option

Following on from that, Maddison is still a relatively young player. At 26, his best years should be ahead of him and he could become a key player at St. Andrew's for the next five or six years at least.

Again, it could turn out to be a shrewd investment in the long run.