Danish winger Mart two

Charlton have swooped to sign Denmark U21 international Martin Christensen from Herfolge Boldklub on a pre-contract basis.

The Addicks have paid an initial £250,000 for the highly-rated 19-year-old right-winger, who has signed a four-year contract.

And as part of the deal, which could potentially rise to £350,000, the Premiership club will also enter into a three-year collaboration agreement with the Danish First Division side.

Charlton manager Alan Pardew said: "Martin's a great prospect and we think very highly of him.

Martin Christensen signs for the Addicks

"It's going to be a big step-up for him to this level of football, but he's of a good age and we feel he'll progress very quickly with us."

Christensen, who has also represented his country at U18, U19 and U20 level, joins compatriot Dennis Rommedahl, a senior Denmark international, and young goalkeeper Mads Nielsen at The Valley.

And the exciting winger follows in the footsteps of a number of other Danes to have represented the Addicks, including 1977 European Footballer of the Year Allan Simonsen and, more recently, Claus Jensen and Stephan Andersen.

Herfolge, who won the Danish Superliga title as recently as 2000, have established a fine reputation for youth products.

And the Danish club joins the likes of Finland club MyPa 47 and Spanish Primera Liga side Valencia with whom Charlton have links at youth level.

Click on the Audio icon to hear Charlton scout Paul Haverson talking about Martin Christensen. More reaction to the deal will follow at www.cafc.co.uk.