Carabao Cup giantkillers Charlton at centre of huge takeover battle as potential buyers are revealed

CARABAO CUP surprises Charlton are at the centre of a takeover battle as they plot their route to Wembley.

The League One side have been approached by an American investment firm looking to buy the club which is valued at around £20million.

It is understood Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard has been contacted within the past two weeks by representatives of US-based Carlisle Capital to discuss a sale.

The bid is being spearheaded by Adam Binnie – vice president of Carlisle Capital – who wants to add a traditional English club to his company’s portfolio.

Binnie was heavily involved in a plan to buy Derby County earlier this year but withdrew because of complications regarding stadium ownership.

Now he has turned his attention to South London club Charlton and Sandgaard is aware of Carlisle Capital’s interest.

But there is still some way to go before any deal can be formalised.

The Danish-American businessman bought The Addicks in September 2020 but Carlisle Capital are willing to put a sizeable investment into the club but also want to rebuild the former Premier League side slowly.

A statement on the company’s website claims: “Carlisle is a patient, long-term investor. Carlisle Capital Corporation is a private investment firm with a successful track record in acquiring, managing and owning assets.”;

Charlton has been identified by them as a club which is underperforming but also one which has massive potential.

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The team showed immense character to knock Premier League Brighton out of the Carabao Cup 4-3 on penalties on Wednesday night in front of 17,464 fans – their biggest home crowd of the season.

They sit 18th in League One – six points above the relegation zone – but have stormed into the league cup – their best performance in the competition for 15 years.

New manager Dean Holden was only appointed on Tuesday by Sandgaard to replace Ben Garner who was sacked after only six months in charge.

They have not won a league game since a 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury in October.

Holden is guaranteed to face more top flight opposition in the quarter finals next month and is just three matches away from a possible Wembley final on February 26 next year.