In a bid to shore up their defence - which has leaked eight goals in two games - Charlton Athletic are ready to swoop for Irish international Paul Butler.

Butler has been an ever-present in the Sunderland defence since they won promotion back to the Premiership but with the arrival of Brazilian Emerson Thome to the Stadium of Light his chances of first-team football will be slim.

Joining Charlton and building up an understanding with Dean Kiely would not be a bad idea. Even though Charlton have conceded eight goals in two games, Kiely could not be blamed for any or them. His form has been outstanding.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley has failed in his attempts to sign Leeds United's Michael Duberry and Lyon's Djamel Alioui in the last week - and that is driving him towards 27-year-old Butler, who has plenty of Premiership experience.