Charlton’s prospective new owners are still undergoing background checks from the EFL as they wait to conclude a £50million-plus takeover.
East Street Investments (ESI) announced a deal to buy Charlton from Roland Duchatelet a fortnight ago but the takeover is subject to EFL approval.
ESI say they have been interviewed by the EFL in the past 48 hours and are relaxed about the way the process is advancing.
The EFL, however, remain tightlipped as they make detailed checks on the club’s prospective new owners, and the financial backing they have, as part of their owners’ and directors’ test.
ESI are a consortium of investors led by Abu Dhabi-based majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer and former FA licensed agent Matt Southall. It is unclear at this stage whether the takeover could be concluded by Christmas or before the start of the January transfer window.
ESI say Nimer, Southall and director Jonathan Heller were all interviewed by the EFL via a conference call this week.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer will hope the takeover is completed before next month’s transfer window.
He said on Thursday: “I have not had any more discussions with East Street Investments but I am meeting with Matt Southall tonight.
“It is in the EFL’s hands, so we are just waiting. Maybe I can be brought up to speed tonight. January is coming up, so we need to know what is happening.”
Charlton’s squad has been badly hit by injuries and they have dropped from second to 17th in the Championship after an alarming run of nine matches without a win. They play Hull at home tomorrow.
Southall has told Bowyer he will have money to strengthen his squad next month should the takeover deal be concluded.
ESI also want to offer striker Lyle Taylor a new contract in a bid to keep him at the club amid interest from Brentford.
Charlton supporters will hope the takeover goes through to end the controversial five-year ownership of Duchatelet.
