Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca was at St Mary's for Chelsea's 6-0 win over Southampton as he ramps up his interest in buying the Blues.
Thomas Tuchel's side ran riot on the south coast, bouncing back from disappointing consecutive defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid in style.
Pagliuca is on a final shortlist of four bidders looking to take control of the club from Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned in March by the UK government for his ties to Vladimir Putin.
Nizaar Kinsella reports that Pagliuca is very serious in his intent to buy Chelsea and he was present for their thrashing of Southampton on Saturday.
He has also been in touch with key stakeholders and is one of several bidders to have spoken with Paul Canoville regarding 'diversity, inclusion & charity work'.
Pagliuca owns a 55% stake in Serie A side Atalanta - an issue which would need to be addressed should be take control of Chelsea - and has plenty of experience in the world of sports.
The four remaining bidders have had their deadline extended to submit their final proposals to buy the club, with the final date believed to be 14 April.
The process could be delayed until the Raine Group, who are handling the sale, receive Premier League clearance regarding all of the final bidders.
Pagliuca's bid is being rivalled by those from the Ricketts family, Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly.
Source : 90min