A consortium led by Todd Boehly has been put forward as the preferred next owner of Chelsea, with the American businessman set to enter exclusive talks to replace sanctioned oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Following an extensive and high-profile bidding process lasting almost two months, the Boehly group has fought off competition from two other shortlisted consortiums, led by former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Atalanta co-owner Steve Pagliuca, plus a last-ditch offer from INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who announced a bid at 2pm on Friday. Sources close to Pagliuca were the first to confirm that they were out of the race.
The Boehly group will now engage in talks with the club around finalising a deal. Reports in America suggested that they will be given a week to agree on final details.
