'Duke' is Charlton target

The Addicks are expected to lose England striker Darren Bent following their relegation from the Premiership. And with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also on the move, Athletic boss Alan Pardew is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce.

It is understood Ellington, who has a house in London, is on their radar of possible replacements as they look to bounce back at the first attempt.

Ellington has only been a bit-part player under Mowbray and has made most of his appearances from the bench, including a brief cameo in Monday's play-off final defeat by Derby.

Albion turned down bids in excess of £3m from Wigan in January for the 25-year-old, but, like many of his high profile team mates, Ellington's Hawthorns future remains under a cloud.

Ellington's agent Tony Finnegan today confirmed a London club - which the Express & Star understands to be Charlton - is interested in Ellington.

But he inisisted the forward's future was still undecided.

"I've given Nathan a few days to think about his future," said Finnegan. "It's up to how Nathan feels. If he decides he wants to stay Albion is a great club with great tradition."

Ellington stayed tight lipped on his future after Monday's Wembley defeat - a day he described as the most disappointing of his career.

But he is planning to spend the summer in the gym to ensure that if he stays at Albion next season he will earn a regular place in the side. I want to play and I'd love to play tomorrow but I can't," he said.

Charlton's interest in Ellington comes as reports linked Albion with a move for Scunthorpe striker Billy Sharp. Wolves and Norwich are currently leading the race for the 32-goal forward, but Hawthorns sources have distanced themselves from reports suggesting Albion will move for the striker.