Charlton club director Steve Gallen has provided a fresh update regarding the club's plans ahead of the January transfer window.

The Addicks are currently sitting 11th in the Championship table following a solid start to the season, but Lee Bowyer will be hoping his side can achieve an upturn in their form following the international break after losing their last two matches.

The South London side lost a number of key players over the summer following their promotion from League One, but they also managed to recruit effectively with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Macauley Bonne and Tom Lockyer all impressing so far this season.

Speaking to the club's Supporters' Trust, Gallen has now revealed the club's main priority will be to keep the current squad together for the second half of the season, but he also conceded there is a slim possibility Gallagher could return to Chelsea.

"First and foremost we want to keep the group together," he said.

"Sam Field will be coming back to us. Conor Gallagher could go back to Chelsea although I don't think he will. Claude Makalele and Carlo Cudicini came in to the training ground last week to see their player in the same way that Grant Basey [Charlton's development coach] has been to Newport and Colchester, to sit down with their managers and get some feedback.

"We want to keep the group together and build from there."

Gallagher has been a revelation since joining Charlton on loan from Chelsea back in August, with the 19-year-old having scored five goals from midfield in his 16 appearances for the Addicks so far this term.

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The Verdict

It will come as positive news for Charlton fans that the club are determined to keep to keep hold of their best talent, rather than putting the likes of Lyle Taylor up for sale in order to generate more funds.

Charlton have already proven what they are capable of achieving with a fully-fit squad this season, so it would not be a major issue if major investment is not made in January, but Bowyer will surely want to make one or two additions to his side.

The Addicks have been severely hit by injuries to occasionally limit Bowyer's options this campaign, and the 42-year-old will surely be hoping he receives some backing in order to increase his side's strength in depth.