"Take away the rivalry" - Pundit reacts Charlton Athletic plot Millwall transfer | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has urged Charlton Athletic to put their rivalry with Millwall to one side as they close in on the acquisition of a Lions academy graduate.

The Addicks are preparing for their first full League One campaign under the management of Nathan Jones, who returned to the Valley in February, this time as head coach, whilst the side were in all kinds of trouble.

However, the man who once built a platform for Luton Town to achieve promotion out of the third tier in 2019, as well as guiding the Hatters to a Championship play-off semi-final in 2022, was able to mastermind a strong set of results that steered Charlton well clear of the relegation zone by matchday 46.

Between the end of the season and present, Charlton have been linked with a number of high-profile transfers by third tier standard, emphasising the ambition held by the ownership group, Global Football Partners. And that hasn't shown any sign of slowing down, albeit there are intriguing circumstances surrounding their latest target.

Carlton Palmer delivers Charlton, Millwall "rivalry" verdict amid Alex Mitchell deal

That's because the red side of South London are intent on closing a deal for Alex Mitchell, currently of their bitter rivals, Millwall.

Mitchell has proven himself to be a solid performer in an array of loan spells away from The Den, which included a stint at Lincoln City last season, as the Imps narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, the former England defender Palmer believes that Charlton have to take any emotion out of what he regards as a "fantastic" piece of business, as far as they are concerned.

"Charlton Athletic are set to sign Millwall centre-back Alex Mitchell," Palmer began. "I think this will be a fantastic move for Alex."

"He's still only 22, he was on loan at Lincoln last season, where he made 41 appearances in all competitions. He has one year left on his (Millwall) contract, but he's not getting any game time with them, so this makes sense for all parties."

"Take away the rivalry and the connection for the two clubs, this makes sense for the player," he stated. "He's dropping down a league where he's experienced. Charlton will be looking to push on for automatic promotion next season."

"There's no point - as talented as the player is - in keeping him if he's not going to play. This is fantastic business for Charlton, I'm sure Millwall will have a sell-on-clause, because Alex Mitchell looks like he could go on and play at a higher level," the 58-year-old continued.

Palmer concluded: "It's a good piece of business for Charlton, their second signing of the summer so far. They will be looking to push on under Nathan Jones and get promotion next season."

Charlton Athletic closing in on Alex Mitchell signing

As referenced above, the Addicks are closing in on completing this signing as per an exclusive report by London News Online.

The publication state that Jones is keen to bolster his ranks in the centre of defence, having recently seen Terrell Thomas and Michael Hector leave SE7, leaving Lloyd Jones, Macauley Gillesphey and Lloyd Jones.

The fee which Charlton are set to pay their rivals has not yet been disclosed, but Mitchell's previous League One experience and overall development make him a shrewd pickup for Jones, who recently acquired the services of goalkeeper Will Mannion on a free transfer from Cambridge United on a three-year-contract.

This alongside the potential signings of Luke Berry, recently released by Luton and Dunfermline's Josh Edwards, coupled with the intention of keeping Thierry Small, signal Charlton's hopes of building on a strong end to the campaign, which saw them lose just two of Jones' first 16 matches in charge.

In what is a highly-competitive division next term, the pressure will be cast on Charlton to assert themselves as a front-runner in the play-off race as a minimum requirement.