On-loan Zheng to return to China

Zheng scored on his Charlton debut against Newcastle

Charlton's on-loan China international Zheng Zhi will return to his homeland at the end of the season before discussing a permanent move to England.

The Addicks loaned the versatile 26-year-old from Shandong Luneng in December with an option to buy him.

Zheng, the China captain, will feature for Shandong in the regional A3 Championship in June.

"At that time Shandong and Charlton will have a new round of discussions about my future contract," Zheng said.

The A3 Championship sees Shandong, the Chinese League winners, take on their Japanese counterparts Urawa Reds, Korean champions Seongnam Ilhwa and Shanghai Shenhua, runners-up in last year's Chinese Super League.

Zheng, who was Charlton boss Alan Pardew's first signing at The Valley, scored on his debut against Newcastle and is keen to help the Addicks stay in the Premiership.

"I will do my utmost to help Charlton avoid relegation," he added.

"That is very important because I won't be able to play Premier League otherwise even if they give me a contract next year."