English soccer club Charlton Athletic have delayed a planned questions and answers session with supporters as the club moves closer to a potential takeover.

Peter Varney, the club's former chief executive, is reportedly heading the takeover bid. Charlton chairman Richard Murray and Parent plc chairman Derek Chappell were due to meet fans in a public meeting, but lawyers have advised them to postpone it.

"Our advisors have warned us it would not be appropriate to attend a public meeting," explained Murray. "The current situation means that we would have been unable to answer or contribute to many of the likely main points of discussion, which would have been wholly unsatisfactory."