MK Done! Alex Gilbey signs for Charlton Athletic on a three-year contract for undisclosed fee

Charlton Athletic have clinched the signing of Alex Gilbey on a three-year contract – with the midfielder joining for an undisclosed fee.

The Addicks had lined up deals for the Milton Keynes midfielder and Hearts striker Conor Washington but the EFL blocked the switches on Friday due to the club’s transfer embargo.

Charlton stayed in negotiations with the governing body and had a meeting with the EFL yesterday – with club secretary Chris Parkes heavily involved in talks to gain approval.

Now they have been able to complete a move for Gilbey, who becomes Lee Bowyer’s first new addition of the transfer window.

“It’s amazing to be here,” Gilbey told Charlton’s website.

“I don’t need to be told how big of a club this is. As soon as I found out there was a bit of interest, I just wanted to get it done as soon as possible.

“The manager is a big pull. I really want to work for him, I’ve heard a lot of good things and I just can’t wait to get going now.

“I’m a high energy player, I like to get up and down and look to score as many goals as possible to just help the team as much as I can.

“I know Pearcey [Jason Pearce] from Wigan, Chuks [Aneke] from MK Dons and I’m friends with Macauley Bonne because we were in the same youth team at Colchester, so it makes it a lot easier coming into a changing room with friends already.”

Bowyer added: “I’m over the moon because we’ve brought in a very good player. He’ll bring us a lot of energy in the middle of the park, physicality and goals.

“He’s 25 which is a good age to work with and he’s already got a lot of games under his belt. He was a good player for MK Dons, so we’ll bring him into our environment, look to improve him as a player and make us a better side.”

Director of football Steve Gallen added: “Alex is a good player. He can run and that’s something me and the manager talk about a lot, but also his mentality to run and his attitude. He gets up and down the pitch and I think the fans will like him.

“When I’ve been showing clips of players to Lee over the last year, this one has always stuck out for him because of his attitude to run, get into the box, score goals and get back in to defend.”