Former Chelsea captain Dennis Wise is eyeing a takeover of Charlton Athletic.

The Sun says Wise and former Newcastle sidekick Tony Jiminez are closing in on a £30million takeover of Charlton.

They head a consortium being funded by a Middle East tycoon that looks certain to pip ex-Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan.

Wise, 42, has been out of work since his controversial spell as Toon executive director ended in April.

He took bitter London rivals Millwall to the 2004 FA Cup Final and his presence would throw the future of present boss Phil Parkinson in doubt.