Curbishley double swoop for Addicks

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has strengthened his squad by signing former Portugal U21 goalkeeper Sergio Leite and ex-Arsenal midfielder Stephen Hughes on short term contracts.

Hughes, a former England U21 player, struggled to hold down a first-team place after a promising start to life at Highbury and moved to Everton in March 2002 for £3m (€4.3m).

The 26-year-old had an unproductive spell with the Toffees before linking up with Watford and then Charlton, turning out for the Addicks’ reserves last season.

Leite will already be known to Valley stars Luke Young and Paul Konchesky after playing against them in the 2002 Under-21 European Championships.

The former Boavista stopper has been given international clearance in time to face Manchester City on Sunday and is likely to feature on the bench following a goalkeeping crisis at the club.

Paul Rachubka had been sidelined with glandular fever while first-choice stopper Dean Kiely is suspended for the Man City clash, meaning Simon Royce was the only senior keeper at the club – a problem resolved by Leite’s arrival.

Addicks manager Alan Curbishley told the club’s official website: “It’s great news that both players have agreed to come to the club and I’m looking forward to working with both of them.

“Stephen has been with training with us for some time and has earned a more permanent deal.

“Sergio has come in because I need another keeper, particularly because Paul is ill. He has trained with us over the last few days and now has the opportunity to impress us further in the coming months.”

Hughes and Leite bring the number of Curbishley’s summer signings to five following the arrival of Paolo di Canio, Matt Holland and Simon Royce at The Valley.