CHARLTON are on the verge of signing Newcastle's England Under-21 midfielder Darren Ambrose.

The two clubs have agreed a fee and the Addicks have been given permission to speak to the player.

Magpies chairman Freddie Shepherd said: "Charlton have made an offer that matches our valuation of the player. We have given Darren permission to speak to Charlton to discuss a possible move."

Ambrose, who started his career as a trainee at Ipswich, joined the Magpies in 2003, but has found it hard to command a regular first team spot.

The 21-year-old wants to return to the south and his agent said last month that he would be interested in a move to The Valley.

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley was keen to add five players to his squad before the pre-season training started on July 4

But, after signing £3m striker Darren Bent at the start of last month, he has so been frustrated in his attempts to bring in more new faces.