Three American-based consortiums are reportedly expected to emerge as the frontrunners to buy Chelsea over the coming weeks.
On the back of the government imposing restrictions on owner Roman Abramovich last week, all parties want a sale to go through as soon as possible in order to prevent the Premier League club from facing financial ruin.
While the government will not allow Abramovich to profit from any sale, they are happy to hold discussions with any interested parties, with a deadline seemingly being set for Friday.
Despite suggestions that the Saudi Media Group have bid £2.7bn, The Mirror claims that the new owners are more likely to emanate from the United States.
The report claims that a consortium led to Todd Boehly, part-owner of several sports team in the country, is among the candidates, as are the Ricketts family who own the Chicago Cubs.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is also said to be in the running, with the most British interest seemingly coming from British property tycoon Nick Candy, who is a Chelsea supporter.
Darren Plant
