CHARLTON have made their first move into the transfer market by opening negotiations for Morocco international defender Talal El Karkouri from French club Paris St Germain.

The 27-year-old becomes a free agent when his PSG contract expires next month and has made known his intention to leave the Parc des Princes.

He moved back to France after a spell on loan in the Premier League with Sunderland.

El Karkouri confirmed: “I have had contact with Charlton but they are not the only club interested.” Rennes and Feyenoord are thought to be among the clubs chasing his signature.

Manager Alan Curbishley is also interested in a Danish international defender, believed to be Thomas Helveg, who is presently with Inter Milan, plus a midfielder with a Midlands Premiership club.

But Curbishley is keeping quiet on the subject. “We’ll be announcing our new signings in July,” he said.

Almost certain to be leaving The Valley are fans’ favourite Paulo Di Canio and striker Carlton Cole. Di Canio was helped off at half-time against Southampton after damaging rib cartilage.

He failed to attend the end-of-season dinner in London amid reports that he will not be offered another contract.

Striker Cole has another year remaining of his loan from Chelsea, which was negotiated as part of Scott Parker’s £10 million sale, though Charlton seem likely to send him back.