Report: Three out of four Chelsea bidders are now all making the same promise as takeover process continues

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Three of the groups shortlisted to become the new Chelsea owners have reportedly pledged to make cash-only offers and not dump debt on to the club.

According to the Times, consortiums led by Tom and Laura Ricketts, Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton say they have ‘raised the money’ to purchase the Blues outright.

There hasn’t been confirmation yet of such an approach by the team fronted by Stephen Pagliuca, the Boston Celtics co-owner.

Although, the Times claim that sources close to Pagliuca believe the bid will likely be made up of cash.

When will the new Chelsea owners be announced?

All final proposals must be submitted today, with the ‘funding arrangements for the takeover’ set to play a key role in selecting the new owner.

That decision will apparently be made by Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea board, following recommendations from the Raine Group, the merchant bank handling the process.

Each of the parties will also have been checked by the Premier League and the UK government, to ensure they qualify for the fit-and-proper-person-test.

The name of Abramovich’s successor should be announced sometime next week, with the Times estimating the successful bid could reach the £2.75 billion mark.

Who could become the new Chelsea owners?

At the moment, the three American-based applicants appear to be in the best position.

Boehly has been one of the front runners ever since he stepped forward into the light, not long after Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale.

Despite facing backlash from some supporters, the Ricketts family, headed by Tom and Laura, have serious backing from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin and other wealthy investors.

Pagliuca meanwhile arrived relatively late to the party, but has gathered serious speed in the past few weeks or so.

Some of the names behind the 67-year-old are Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and the chairman of the NBA Larry Tanenbaum.

John Terry’s True Blues Consortium are also in support of his movement.

Broughton is being helped by Lord Sebastian Coe and two stakeholders in Crystal Palace, Josh Harris and David Blitzer.

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