CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley returned from the club's trip to China at the weekend in search of a midfield replacement for Denmark international midfielder Claus Jensen.

Jensen, 27, quit the club on Friday to join Premiership rivals Fulham in a £1.25m deal. He had a year left on his Charlton contract having joined the club from Bolton for a then record fee of £4m in July 2000.

Curbishley, whose priority signing had been a striker, is now back in the hunt for another midfielder after signing Bryan Hughes from Birmingham on a free transfer.

Speaking from China before the squad returned home, Curbishley said: "Claus had one year remaining on his contract and had made it clear to us that he didn't wish to renew it and no longer wanted to play for the club. He felt he needed a new challenge and from the minute he was approached by Fulham, it was clear he wanted to join them."

Jensen found the net five times last season one short of his best return in the 2000-01 season.

Charlton lost the second and final match of their trip to China on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Guangzhou Sunray Cove on Sunday.

The match went to spot kicks following an equaliser from substitute Shaun Bartlett. Central defender Jonathan Fortune missed Charlton's crucial fourth penalty.

The match was played in 36 degrees heat with Feng Junyan giving Sunray Cove a 29th minute lead.

Charlton lost their first match 3-2 to Janlibao on Thursday.

Skipper Matt Holland sprung a surprise by addressing the club's tour sponsors in their own language at a reception. The midfielder thanked the hotel for its hospitality in his best Mandarin.