The Premier League have reportedly conducted their own unofficial background checks on the remaining three Chelsea takeover candidates to try and speed up the process to conduct the sale of Roman Abramovich's club.
Chelsea along with the Raine Group have now whittled down the shortlist to just three consortiums. Sir Martin Broughton's group, Todd Boehly's own clan and Stephen Pagliuca's consortium, which has the backing of John Terry's fan-led group. It was rumoured that the latter of the three bids would not make the final cut, but these claims have been rebuffed.
On top of this, It was also hoped that the process of finding Abramovich's successor would go quicker than normal, but it seems the end of May could be the point whereby a new owner is instated at Stamford Bridge amid the current uncertainty that has come about regarding the upcoming and important summer transfer window. Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton had joined Broughton's bid as each team look to oust each other in their battle to win the keys to the Bridge, and manager Thomas Tuchel said he has a lot of respect for the two sporting icons who are now embroiled in the race.
READ MORE: Next Chelsea owner must grant Thomas Tuchel request to avoid repeating Antonio Rudiger mistake
"I just heard it. I got a briefing and heard that they are a part of it. I can't tell you much more than that. I am a big admirer of both of them," Tuchel admitted in his pre-match press conference ahead of the West Ham win. "They are fantastic sports personalities on the court, on the racetrack, and off. They take responsibility as people and are outstanding sports figures in what they do, for which they have our biggest and my biggest respect. I have absolutely no insight into the proceeding and what role they play. I would like to not comment."
Whilst the wait goes on to find out who wins this ongoing takeover battle, The Telegraph state that the Premier League have been making their own moves to try and speed up the process. The Premier League are said to have made unofficial background checks on the bids fronted by Todd Boehly, Stephen Pagliuca and Sir Martin Broughton before one of the groups is given the go-ahead to complete the takeover by the government.
It goes on to clarify that once the preferred bid is selected - which could still be this week - the Premier League's efforts to speed up the process may come to no avail as the winner of the race will still have to undergo a full owners' and directors' test.
Chelsea fans- who do you want to see win this takeover race and what do you think of the Premier League's actions in this situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
