Former Newcastle United chief Tony Jimenez assisted Charlton Athletic attract their new Dubai buyers, it has been revealed.

The Mail on Sunday says it has emerged that former director Jimenez was instrumental in setting up the potential takeover of Charlton by Dubai-based Zabeel Investments.

Jimenez set up a meeting for Ashley with Zabeel in Dubai last month, but the Sports Direct mogul refused to attend when he was told the suitors would not meet his £400m-plus asking price. Zabeel had been prepared to offer about £280m.

With Jimenez's help, Zabeel turned their attention to other opportunities and settled on Charlton, who announced an indicative cash offer for the club late on Friday night.

Jimenez, whose resignation as Newcastle's vice-president (recruitment) was announced on Thursday, is tipped for an executive role at The Valley if the deal goes through.