TWTD understands that Town and Charlton are in talks over Simon Walton's return on loan ahead of the transfer window closing on Wednesday. The 19-year-old was at Portman Road for Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup victory over Swansea City.

Walton was with the Blues from August until earlier this month, during which time he made 13 starts and six substitute appearances and scored three goals.

The Leeds-born midfielder left his home town club in the summer, joining the Addicks for a fee of £500,000 rising to £1 million depending on appearances.

Town were originally denied an extension to Walton's loan by former boss Les Reed but new manager Alan Pardew is understood to be more sympathetic to the Blues' requests to keep the England U19 international.

Meanwhile, West Ham are reported to be ready to offer Charlton £17 million for Darren Bent. If this proves to be the case, the Blues will be £2.88 million the richer with Town due 20% of the profit on the £2.6 million the Addicks have paid the Blues for the England striker up to now.

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