DAMIEN FRANCIS could be the first of Charlton’s summer signings as manager Alan Curbishley sets about restructuring his squad.

The 26-year-old attack-minded Norwich City midfielder is thought to be on the verge of joining the Addicks in a £3 million move.

Curbishley is believed to have opened negotiations for Francis in February – even though his present contract has three years to run.

Francis, who cost Norwich £250,000 when he moved from Wimbledon in August, 2003, has been unable to settle in East Anglia and is anxious to return to south London. He also wants to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

Though he scored seven goals from midfield last season, he failed to produce his best in Norwich’s crucial run-in at the end of the season which saw them relegated on the final day.

Curbishley his also thought to be interested in Reading’s former Arsenal midfielder Steve Sidwell, while Valencia’s Bernardo Corradi tops his shopping list for a striker.