Jeffers leaves Gunners for Charlton

CHARLTON have signed Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers to add to the capture of Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.

The 23-year-old Jeffers has signed a two-year contract after agreeing to move from the Premiership champions in a deal worth £2.6million.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley said: “We are delighted that Francis has agreed to join Charlton.

“Arsenal paid a lot of money for him a few years ago but he found it difficult to claim a first-team place because of the competition,” Curbishley told the club’s official website, www.cafc.co.uk.

“He needed a change and he’s the sort of player I like to sign because I feel he’s angry and hungry after the last couple of years. I’m hoping that we can put his career back on track.”

Jeffers shot to prominence as a teenager with Everton, scoring 20 goals in 70 games in his first spell with the Merseyside club.

He has been prolific at international level, scoring a record-equalling 12 goals in 12 games for England U-21s and celebrating his first senior appearance with a goal against Australia in a friendly at Upton Park in February 2003.

Jeffers moved to Arsenal for £8m in 2001, but the player, dubbed the ‘Fox in the box’, made just 39 first-team appearances in three seasons with the Gunners, and was back at Goodison Park on loan last season.