Charlton have denied speculation that they have been involved in takeover talks with American billionaire media mogul Philip Anschutz.

Mr Anschutz, whose investment portfolio includes the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, soccer club LA Galaxy, David Beckham’s football academy and the nearby O2 Arena in Greenwich, was reported to have been considering a takeover of the Addicks until widespread criticism of foreign owners forced him to have second thoughts and put the idea in abeyance.

Mr Anschutz is said to have regarded Charlton as ideal for branding opportunities in Kent and South London.

A national newspaper report stated that not all members of Charlton’s board were aware that talks had been ongoing.

But outgoing chief executive Peter Varney and successor Steve Waggott both dimissed the report.

“There is absolutely no truth in this story,” said Mr Waggott. “I really don’t know where these stories come from.”

Mr Waggott also dimissed a report linking midfielder and China captain Zheng Zhi with a £3 million move to Premier League Fulham.