Report: 64-year-old businessman now lining up bid for Chelsea, he already owns one sports team

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The list of those seemingly wanting a slice of the Chelsea pie continues to grow by the day.

Now, supporters have been given another name to remember.

Vivek Ranadive now on the radar

According to Sportico, Vivek Ranadive, owner of the American basketball team, the Sacramento Kings, is preparing to launch a bid for the Blues.

Ranadive acquired the California capital’s franchise in 2013, having built up a fortune in the computing industry.

He founded the technological firm TIBCO towards the end of the 1990s, adding to his estimated value of $700 million (Sportico).

Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, are worth $2.06 billion (Sportico).

The 64-year-old is the latest to have possession of an American sports side whilst also interested in Chelsea.

Todd Boehly – a shareholder in the Los Angeles Dodgers – and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson are also potential suitors for Roman Abramovich’s kingdom.

Boehly reportedly has the financial backing of Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, as the pair apparently want to join forces in an attempt to buy the London club.

Abramovich is weighing up his options

Abramovich will be awaiting any formal offers, as he attempts to sell Stamford Bridge and all its contours before any of his assets are possibly frozen by the government.

The Russian’s decision to relinquish the rights to Chelsea were revealed to the general public last Wednesday.

Since then, an assortment of businessmen, investors, companies and other high-profile figures have been linked to succeeding the current boss.

At the moment, the Boehly-Wyss consortium is leading the way, although it’s said they don’t want to pay the £3b (Athletic) asking price.

This sum, set out by Abramovich, looks likely to put off a lot of punters, especially from British shores.

Sky Sports suggest most of the jostling pack could come from the USA, hence Ranadive being thrown into the ring.

As long as they don’t call it the Chelsea Caterpillars, we won’t be too upset.

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