Addicks join race for Sky Blues target

Charlton manager Alan Pardew could turn to Portsmouth defender and Coventry target Martin Cranie after missing out on Krisztian Timar.

Pardew has let Chris Powell, Cory Gibbs, Osei Sankofa and Ben Thatcher leave The Valley, while Paddy McCarthy has joined Crystal Palace, leaving the Addicks boss short of options at the back.

Pardew had been linked with Plymouth favourite Timar, but could now turn to Cranie to shore up his defence after the Hungarian agreed a new deal at Home Park.

Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman has already been linked with a swoop for the player while QPR are also hot on the heels of the highly-rated stopper.

Cranie went to QPR on loan last season but his stay was cut short after he broke his leg, although manager Iain Dowie could come back in for him if he is unsuccessful in his attempt to sign top target Kaspars Gorkss of Blackpool.

"There have been a few clubs interested in taking Martin on loan, QPR are one, but nothing has been decided yet," Pompey manager Harry Redknapp said.

"It's possible, of course, but I will have to look at it.

"I have got to make sure I don't leave myself short at the back.

"I cannot afford to leave the squad short.

"We haven't got a lot of defenders here at the moment and Martin is a versatile player."