With the Friday deadline for bid proposals approaching, there are believed to be no fewer than 200 investors exploring a potential offer to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich has given the UK government the green light to proceed with the sale after accepting that he will not earn a single penny, and now those in charge of the sale have asked potential buyers to submit their proposals before Friday.
As well as proving the source of their money, investors have also been asked to outline their long-term plan for the club. Some have discussed the redevelopments of Stamford Bridge, while 90min understands there have been contacts between buyers and centre-back Antonio Rudiger over a possible contract extension.
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There are a handful of buyers whose bids are being taken most seriously at this point, but the Daily Mail note that there are a whopping 200 investors who have signalled an interest in getting involved in a sale which could be worth a cool £3bn.
New York-based banking group Raine are leading the sale, and it is understood that club director Marina Granovskaia is also offering her expertise to interested groups.
For a buyer to be taken seriously, they have been asked to follow a checklist in submitting their proposals. They should provide Raine, the Premier League and the Government a proof of funds letter, a full list of advisers, a business plan and a timescale for completion to accompany offers, as well as explaining their motivations behind bidding for Chelsea.
As well as their plans for Chelsea on the pitch, buyers are also being asked to detail how they would support the non-playing staff involved with the club, including the club shop staff whose jobs are currently on hold.
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While this is all ongoing, Chelsea have confirmed that they remain in daily talks with the Government over an alteration to their license to help them continue trading in the wakes of the sanctioning of Abramovich.
Limits on matchday and travel expenses have left Chelsea fearing they will not be able to travel up to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup tie at the weekend, and home games have also been put at risk over limits to ticket sales and security costs.
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