Charlton Athletic are lining up a transfer swoop for Blackburn's Richie Smallwood after the midfielder was told he can leave Ewood Park before the end of the window, according to TEAMtalk.

Smallwood has failed to break into Tony Mowbray's plans at Rovers this campaign, with the defensive midfielder having made just two EFL Cup outings since August, and it has now emerged that the Lancashire outfit are keen to offload him this month.

It is being reported that Charlton have joined the likes of Wigan, Huddersfield and Barnsley in targeting Smallwood, with the 29-year-old's exit having reportedly been sanctioned ahead of his upcoming contract expiration this summer.

Lee Bowyer is looking to bolster his Addicks squad ahead of their survival bid in the second half of the campaign, and it is believed that Smallwood has emerged as a target alongside Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty, according to the Glasgow Times.

Smallwood has made 75 appearances for Rovers since joining the club on a free transfer from Rotherham back in 2017, but the midfielder has now failed to hold down a regular spot at the club since the first half of last season.

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The Verdict

Charlton are desperate for extra numbers in midfield following the departures of Conor Gallagher, Beram Kayal and Jonathan Leko this month, and Smallwood would represent a good addition to add some much-needed depth to the squad.

The Addicks need plenty of reinforcement in order to ensure they are well equipped for their survival bid this term and, while Smallwood would go some way towards achieving this, it is important that he is not the club's only addition before the deadline.

The South London outfit have now lost a range of midfielders so far this month, and it is crucial they recruit more attack-minded players in addition to Smallwood seeing as the Rovers man is capable of primarily operating in a defensive midfield capacity.

It would represent a statement of intent if Charlton could fend off some of their relegation rivals to land Smallwood's signature, and it would be a solid piece of business for Bowyer's side.