Having helped condemn Sunderland to another season at League One, Jason Pearce could join this summer and help them mount another promotion challenge.
Sunderland have been credited with interest in the centre-back, although they face competition from Portsmouth and Oxford. That is according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.
Pearce, 31, is a veteran defender who helped guide Charlton back to the Championship this season after their 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Wembley in the play-off final.
He made 28 appearances for the Addicks last season and captained them too. He was brought on at half-time at Wembley against Sunderland, and helped steady the ship at the back allowing Lee Bowyer's side to push on themselves and score that late winning goal.
He was involved too, causing a nuisance at the back post which helped centre-back partner Patrick Bauer find a little space to win a header and then ultimately tap home the rebound.
A tall, physical and experienced defender, Pearce would certainly fit the bill for Jack Ross in a position he will be desperate to strengthen this summer.
And Charlton shouldn't be too reluctant to cash in as they look to rebuild their squad to tackle what is likely to be a season battling relegation in the second tier. He has just one year remaining on his Charlton contract.
But Sunderland face tough competition to land Pearce, with the centre-back already having two spells at Portsmouth. He was part of Pompey's youth academy, but joined Bournemouth before eventually moving back to Portsmouth in 2011.
He stayed only a season and although he failed to help them avoid relegation from the Championship, he impressed enough to be made captain, be voted Player of the Season and earn a move to Leeds to remain in the second tier at the time.
