With the Abu Dhabi United Group buying Manchester City, it had been thought that Liverpool would be the subject of a bid from the Maktoum family. They have been long-term admirers of the Merseyside club, although this interest has never shown itself in the form of a realistic bid, or at least one that Gillett and Hicks have been seriously prepared to consider.

The Guardian now report that the chances of them buying Liverpool are more remote than ever, with the family surprisingly turning its attention towards Charlton Athletic instead. It appears as though the South London family club could be swept off its feet by some wealthy Dubai owners, after the latter put an ‘indicative bid’ on the table.

Charlton Athletic were last night the subject of a takeover bid by the Maktoum family in a deal that would seem to end Dubai’s interest in Liverpool.

The Valley club’s efforts to play down the deal last night by insisting there is “no certainty” that the “indicative” bid will become a formal offer will not restrain unbridled excitement in south-east London. The involvement of Sheikh Hamdan Al-Maktoum, son of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, through his Zabeel Investments vehicle would make the ascendancy of a club that dropped out of the Premier League with only 34 points in 2007 almost a certainty.

Liverpool fans, had you remained hopeful that a deal could be struck, which would eventually see the back of your American owners. Or have you changed your view of the pair, in light of the fact that relations between them and Rafael Benitez have improved, and that money has been spent on quality additions to the squad in the summer?

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