Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has hinted that Adam Matthews is still in contention to earn a contract at The Valley.

The 27-year-old has been without a club since leaving Sunderland earlier this summer and is currently training with Charlton's first-team (via News Shopper).

The Addicks have been looking to add another option at right-back since Anfernee Dijksteel left the club to join Middlesbrough for a thought to be in the region of £2m (via the Northern Echo) earlier this month.

Unable to purchase players due to the fact that the summer transfer window has now shut for Championship clubs, Charlton have since turned their attentions to the free-agency market.

Whilst Matthews has impressed throughout his trial at the club, fellow defender Tyrone Mears has failed in his efforts to prolong his stay with the Addicks.

Speaking to News Shopper, Bowyer said: "Tyrone has gone now but Adam [Matthews] is still here.

"We played a game on Tuesday and he did well.

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"We won't jump too far ahead but we're pleased with his progress.

"He hasn't done a full pre-season, so we won't be too harsh in judging him but he's done well."

Currently third in the Championship standings, Charlton Athletic will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten league record when they head to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday to face Reading.

The Addicks could move into the top-two with a victory depending on the outcome of Leeds United's clash with Swansea City.

The Verdict

Although Deji Oshilaja has been extremely impressive at full-back this season for Charlton, it would make sense for Bowyer to strengthen in this particular area following Dijksteel's departure and thus it is not at all surprising that he is running the rule over Matthews.

Having made 93 appearances at Championship level during his career, the defender knows exactly what it takes to thrive in this particular division.

If the Addicks do sign him and he is able to hit the ground running in the second-tier, there is no reason why the club cannot go on to achieve a tremendous amount of success during the 2019/20 campaign.