Charlton Athletic are set to beat Sunderland to the signing ex-Burnley defender Ali Koiki, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The Addicks have spent much of 2020 under a transfer embargo but it was lifted last month after Thomas Sandgaard's successful takeover.

A string of new signings have arrived at the Valley since, including the likes of Ben Watson and Akin Famewo, but it appears the south London club aren't done yet.

Football Insider has reported that they're closing in on making Koiki their next summer signing.

The report claims that Charlton have made a breakthrough in talks with the left-back and are set to beat Sunderland to his signature.

It is understood that the Addicks are set to complete the deal in the coming days.

Koiki left Burnley as a free agent this summer after rejecting a new contract offer from the Clarets as he was keen to secure senior football.

The 21-year-old made the switch from Crystal Palace to Turf Moor as an academy player but never featured for the Premier League side, with his only senior opportunities coming while out on loan with Swindon Town in the second half of the 2018/19 campaign.

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The Verdict

This looks a fantastic signing for Charlton.

The 21-year-old is clearly highly rated, given Burnley wanted to keep him and Sunderland are among the string of EFL clubs understood to have been interested this summer.

It's been a difficult year for the Addicks but this is the sort of deal that should make the valley faithful hopeful for what the future can bring.