Can a deal be done with out of contract players?

All out of contract players including Chuks Aneke want to stay at Charlton says Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-all-our-out-of-contract-players-want-to-stay/

However, no contracts have been actually signed and negotiations are proceeding with Steve Gallen.  Any deals will have to be within the budget.

Responding to comments that other League One clubs have already made signings, Adkins says that he recognises the importance of recruitment and is available all the time to talk to players.

A regular summer phenomenon is Charlton fans complaining about the paucity of signings.  However, the team that matters is the one that plays in the first match of the season.   There is no point in making signings for the sake of making a signing.   The emphasis has to be on quality and how the player fits into the way Adkins wants to play.