Charlton have signed Leon Best on a short-term deal until January 27.

The former Newcastle and Blackburn striker, 31, has been training with the Addicks for the past six weeks.

Best, who could go straight into the squad for tonight’s game against Peterborough, will provide much-needed competition to first-choice number nine Josh Magennis.

Charlton boss Karl Robinson said: “Leon is in the top three runners at the football club, from a speed perspective. He’s very, very quick and powerful.

“He’s been great around the building in the last few weeks and it is something that he really wanted to get done.

“Besty is a great character. He’s been there, seen it, done it at the highest level and, listening to him, he feels like he has a point to prove to three or four people.

“He’s very hungry and that is the thing that sealed it for me - that he’s really excited about moving forward and trying to play for Charlton.

“I want to thank the club. We didn’t have to do this, this wasn’t in the budget and this is aside from that.

“We have a budget - we have got two players for every position - and we are still working hard to try and improve the squad. There’s a real intent in the building to push us forward.”

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The Addicks are sixth in League One with two games in hand - and bringing an experienced striker like Best on board will only enhance their promotion push.

Best impressed and scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR earlier this month.

He said: “I’m really excited and hopefully I can come in and make a difference on the pitch.

“I’d like to thank the manager and the staff. When I first came into train, I wasn’t in a position to be signed.

“They’ve really helped me to get fit and never put any pressure on me or tried to rush me, and hopefully now I can repay them.

“All of the lads have been really welcoming since I walked through the door - they’re a great group and I’m looking forward to trying to make an impact and help the team”

Charlton chief executive Katrien Meire added: “Leon has been training with the club for more than a month and he’s really impressed everyone who has dealt with him.

“We want to maintain our promotion push and hopefully adding Leon will help with that.”