Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Roman Abramovich and his intention of selling Chelsea F.C.
Some believe that the Russian oligarch wants to sell the club because the political tensions between the UK and Russia are making it difficult for him to do business in the UK.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-allen-emerges-potential-new-13322423
Other reports suggest that he has no intention whatsoever of selling up.
Nevertheless. there are several men linked with moves to buy the club from the Russian. Here, we find out more about these prospective owners.
Paul Allen:
Allen, 65, is the co-founder of Microsoft alongside Bill Gates. He is currently the 46th richest man in the world.
He has owned the Seattle Seahawks NFL team since 1997 and he owns the NBA team, the Seattle Trail Blazers. His football experience extends to his ownership of the Seattle Sounders, who play in the MLS.
Some reports say that Allen recently held discussions with Abramovich in New York about the possibility of buying Chelsea.
A downside would be that Allen suffers from cancer and his illness recently took a turn for the worse.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe:
Ratcliffe, also 65, is a British billionaire who made his money in chemical engineering. He is the 140th wealthiest man in the world.
Ratcliffe is a Manchester United supporter but he lives in Chelsea and he is rumoured to be interested in buying Chelsea for around £2 billion. If either of these men are willing to pay the supposed asking price of £3 billion, the Roman empire could be entering in its final days.