Lee Bowyer will meet Charlton’s possible new owner Matt Southall tonight to get up to speed on where the club is regarding the takeover.

Southall, Chairman of East Street Investments who are awaiting approval from the English Football League of the takeover, is set to meet Bowyer and Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen to discuss the latest developments regarding the club.

Current owner Roland Duchatelet and ESI agreed a fee for the purchase of the club and announced the deal a fortnight ago, subject to the EFL’s approval.

One of the first things ESI were keen to do upon taking over was to tie Bowyer and his staff to new contracts as well as in-demand striker Lyle Taylor.

With no news from the EFL regarding approval, fans were getting uneasy that the takeover could be in jeopardy.

“It seems that way,” Bowyer said.

“I thought it may have happened by now, it’s been a while since the announcement was made so I’m surprised its not gone though.

“I’m meeting Matt (Southall), the potential new chairman, tonight.

“We’ll have discussions tonight but I’ve not spoken to them since the announcement.

“I’m just hearing what everyone is saying, so I know no more than anyone else.

“Matt has asked to meet me and Steve (Gallen) so we will go there open minded and hopeful, maybe after discussions tonight I’ll be brought up to speed with what’s going on.”

January Budget

One key situation Bowyer is eager to address is the January transfer widnow. ESI have told Bowyer there will be money to add re-enforcements to his injury ravaged squad next month, although if the takeover didn’t go through it would leave the budget in the hands of Duchatelet.

“We need to know what’s happening in January regarding the budget.

“Roland still owns the club, if it doesn’t go through who do we speak to?!

“This is the problems we are facing at the minute, off-field things are disturbing things because I thought it was taken over but obviously it’s not the case at the moment.

“Speak to Roland, speak to the new people, I hope we’ll know what the situation is going to be and we are brought up to speed.”