CHARLTON are ready to cast their net overseas for loan players as they prepare for the opening of January’s transfer window.

Manager Alan Curbishley disclosed that the continental option is one being considered in an effort to bolster his squad in the new year.

The Addicks have used their two domestic loans in Alexei Smertin from Chelsea and Manchester United’s Jonathan Spector, though are free to recruit from elsewhere.

Curbishley said: "We’ve got one or two things which we’re trying to do, albeit mainly loans because it’s so difficult to do business in the January window.

"You may find in this window that when a club is desperate to do business, loan swaps may become a way of doing business. We are looking overseas and we want to do something if we can."

Charlton’s priority is for another striker as Kevin Lisbie is troubled with a hamstring problem while Shaun Bartlett has returned from international duty with South Africa with an ankle injury.

"That leaves us with just Darren Bent, Jay Bothroyd and Jonatan Johansson up front," Curbishley added.

He dismissed as speculation stories linking former skipper Matt Holland with a move to West Bromwich Albion or interest in Aston Villa’s unsettled defender J-Lloyd Samuel, a former Charlton trainee.

"To be fair to Matt, he regards being out of the side as a challenge. He has never been in this position before and is prepared to dig in, which is what I like to hear. But if he continues to be out of the side, then I know he will be in to see me."