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Two purchasers prepared to pay for Charlton

So opaque is Charlton's takeover statement it might have been drafted by the Vatican.

Two purchasers are prepared to pay an acceptable price for troubled League One club Charlton Athletic: Price agreed

The South-East London club is owned by Belgian multi-millionaire Roland Duchatelet, originally as a part of a European network of clubs which reflected thinking in the European Commission at the time. Fans have demonstrated against Duchatelet, who has only been to one game at The Valley, both in SE7 and in Belgium.

Charlton's latest statement on the matter was issued by the one English director left on the board, Richard Murray. It was so cryptic and opaque it could have been drafted by The Vatican.

The matter is now in the hands of lawyers, but it is not clear how a decision will be made in favour of one purchaser or the other, or whether they might come together in a consortium.

A bid from a Scottish consortium was withdrawn, but there have been persistent rumours that the Addicks could become Australian owned and a showcase for young Australian talent.

Attendances have plummeted, in part because of fan dissatisfaction with Duchatelet, in part because of woeful standards of football. Winning fans back will not be easy, given that many are now following non-league clubs. There are also many rival attractions in London. Young professionals are moving into the area, especially the Grenwich peninsula, but they may have other allegiances to other clubs or not be interested in football.

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