Charlton have registered their interest in signing Reading striker, Sam Baldock according to journalist, Anthony Smith. 

The former Reading Chronicle journalist revealed that the out-of-favour forward is attracting interest from Lee Bowyer's side ahead of the new Championship season.

Baldock hasn't had the best of spells with the Berkshire-based side since he completed his move to the club from Brighton and Hove Albion back in the summer of 2018.

He was restricted to just 21 appearances for the Royals last season, as they narrowly retained their status in the Championship for another season.

It's likely that he's behind Yakou Meite and Danny Loader in the pecking order, so he'll be keen to move on at the earliest of opportunities to find regular game time.

It has been reported by The Sun, that Reading are under a 'soft transfer ban' and will have to go through the EFL if they are to make any signings ahead of the new league campaign.

But it's no secret that Jose Gomes needs to trim the wage bill as soon as possible, and it seems as though Baldock could be one of the first names heading for the Madejski Stadium exit door.

Charlton will be hoping to land his signature, so that they can bolster their attacking options to prepare for life back in the Championship after winning promotion from League One earlier this year.

The Verdict: 

This is a move that could suit both parties involved.

Reading need to sell players to trim the wage bill so they can fund potential new signings, and Baldock isn't going to be anywhere near the first-team next season.

Charlton could certainly benefit from depth in attacking areas as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship, and Baldock would arrive at The Valley with a point to prove if he completed his move to the Addicks.