Zheng set for Charlton

Midfielder Zheng, who can also play in a variety of other positions, spent the second half of last season at The Valley but could not help the Addicks survive in the Premiership.

Zheng's agent Gao Li said that manager Alan Pardew, who secured the services of Zheng in one of his first acts when made boss last December, was ready to approach him about signing for the upcoming Championship campaign.

"Charlton are keen admirers of Zheng's abilities," Li said. "The club are interested in having him back for another season.

"It is possible for Zheng to return, but the move will require approval from me, the player and the Chinese Football Association."

Zheng, 26, returned to Chinese club Shandong Luneng at the season's end and is reported to be interesting Newcastle United and Birmingham City, with Blues' new majority shareholder Carson Yeung keen to take Asian players to St Andrews.