A consortium led by American billionaire Todd Boehly and British entrepreneur Jonathan Goldstein has emerged as the frontrunner to complete a takeover of Chelsea FC.
Current owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale on 2 March before sanctions were imposed on him by the UK government following Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine - a result of his alleged links to the Kremlin and president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea are now effectively under a transfer embargo, new contracts cannot be offered and tickets cannot be sold with the Russian-Israeli unable to make money in the UK.
However, the sale of the club can still be negotiated with a special licence, although the government has assumed control of the transaction and will have a say in which offer is selected, with Abramovich unable to profit.
London-based property tycoon Goldstein was revealed to be the third member of a consortium including Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss over the weekend, and according to The Times that group has emerged as the leading contender to complete a takeover at Stamford Bridge.
The consortium is said to be viewed as the most viable option by the Raine Group - the bank brokering negotiations - and government sources, as they have the financial resources and expertise to complete a deal swiftly.
Chelsea hope to obtain the licence that gives the government oversight of any deal this week.
British billionaire and Chelsea supporter Nick Candy remains in the running alongside a host of others including the Saudi Media Group, who have lodged a £2.7bn bid - although it would take some time for that particular consortium to pass the Premier League's ownership checks.
Meanwhile, 90min understands that a number of the potential new owners have contacted soon-to-be out of contract centre-back Antonio Rudiger to outline their desire to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
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Source : 90min