Charlton expect to complete the signing of Southend attacking midfielder Nicky Bailey today in a deal worth £750,000.

Transfer-listed Bailey was withdrawn from the Shrimpers' Carling Cup, first round home tie on Tuesday against Cheltenham ahead of the deal with the 24-year-old set to make his Addicks debut at Watford on Saturday.

Southend had earlier rejected Charlton's £300,000 offer for the central midfielder.

Bailey, who lives within a short goalkick of Charlton's arch rivals Crystal Palace, described the signing as the "move of his dreams."

Born in Hammersmith, he started his career with Sutton United who sold him to Barnet for £10,000 in 2004. Southend signed him in July 2007 from Barnet where he had been Player of the Year. Last season he swept the board of honours at Southend following a memorable first season in which he scored 12 goals.