JINAN - China captain Zheng Zhi is looking forward to guiding Charlton Athletic back to the Premier League after agreeing a two-year deal with the Championship side.

The 26-year-old, who had a loan spell at The Valley last season, will fly to London on Friday to finalise a deal which could net Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng £2million.

News of Zheng's capture came on a busy day for the Addicks with the club also signing MK Dons striker Izale McLeod for £1.55million and allowing centre-half Souleymane Diawara to join Bordeaux for an initial £2.6million.

"Returning to Charlton is not a bad choice," said Zheng, who had held discussions with Newcastle and Birmingham City. "As a Chinese player, I have nothing to complain about because we have few choices.

"Charlton have been expecting me and I feel grateful to them. I should also thank coach Alan Pardew for his trust in me. I am confident I can help Charlton win promotion to the Premier League.

"It was a pity that I couldn't land a deal with a Premier League side. There were a lot of reasons.

"I can't decide my fate on my own. It couldn't be achieved unless all the parties including the English clubs, Shandong and me could reach a consensus."

Zheng, who scored his only goal against Newcastle United last season, featured as China failed to qualify for the knockout stage of July's AFC Asian Cup.

He played during the 5-1 victory over Malaysia and 2-2 draw with Iran, but missed the 3-0 defeat by Uzbekistan, which cost China a place in the last eight, through suspension.

He was also replaced after just 20 minutes of the 6-1 Chinese Super League defeat by Beijing Guoan on Wednesday but said: "My form is not a big deal, I believe I can return to form soon."