Charlton Athletic plot ambitious swoop for La Liga defender

After successfully avoiding relegation in their first season back in the Championship, Charlton Athletic and manager Nathan Jones are aiming to improve their defence with an ambitious swoop for a La Liga defender ahead of next season.

The Addicks finished six points clear of the drop zone and will play Championship football again next campaign, however the club are likely to have loftier ambitions next term, especially after starting the season in such positive fashion.

Charlton were in the play-off positions following their 1-0 win at home to West Brom in November, but their form steadily declined over the remainder of the campaign.

Nathan Jones and the club are already looking at ways to improve their squad ahead of their second season in the second tier, and the club have identified a defender currently playing in La Liga as one of their summer targets.

Charlton among several clubs chasing Espanyol star Ruben Sanchez

The Addicks finished the season with Harry Clarke playing at right wing-back, however the loan man has since returned to parent club Ipswich and that leaves a position to fill.

According to Italian Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, Charlton have identified Espanyol defender Ruben Sanchez as a potential new signing at The Valley.

The 25-year-old can play as either a right wing-back or right winger and came through the youth academy at Espanyol, before developing into a first team player following loans at both Mirandes and Granada in the Spanish second tier.

He made 21 appearances for Espanyol last term as the club finished 11th in the Spanish top flight, providing one assist in that time.

A move for Sanchez would represent an ambitious swoop for Charlton, however they face serious competition for the Spaniard's signature, with Elche and unnamed Serie A clubs also credited with interest.