The multi-million pound takeover of Charlton by Dubai based Zabeel Investments is being conducted in Kent at the offices of the club's solicitors Vertex Law at Kings Hill near Maidstone.

A team of lawyers and accountants representing Zabeel and chief executive Mohammed Al Hashimi have descended on Kings Hill for the process of due diligence.

Strong rumours persist that the takeover could be completed by the end of the week which would delight supporters worried by the club's slide to the brink of the Coca-Cola Championship's relegation zone.

Former Strood schoolboy Derek Chappell, now chairman of Charlton plc, urged supporters to be patient but admitted: "We are, of course, aware that supporters are desperate to know more, but a confidentiality agreement has been signed by all parties and we cannot contravene that."