CHARLTON have completed their first close-season signing by snapping up United States international defender Corey Gibbs on a free transfer from Dutch giants Feyenoord.

The 26-year-old, who is equally at home at left-back or in central defence, was also a target for UEFA Cup finalists Middlesbrough and Bolton.

Though the club have still to obtain a work permit, they do not envisage a problem as Gibbs has been capped 17 times by the United States and is a member of their World Cup squad.

He said: "Playing Premiership football has always been my dream and I know that I am joining a club that is ambitious and hungry for success."

Gibbs arrives at The Valley highly recommended by Charlton's Amercan-based director Mike Stevens.