British government satisfied with four Chelsea bidders

The British government is prepared to usher through Chelsea's sale to any of the four shortlisted bidders according to the Press Association.

The remaining contenders to buy Chelsea must submit final offers for the Stamford Bridge club on Thursday.

New York merchant bank the Raine Group will then hope to present a preferred bidder to Downing Street in the week beginning next Monday.

The government must approve the eventual buyer, with the issuing of a new Treasury licence for the sale the final hurdle for Chelsea's would-be new owners.

PA sources have revealed Downing Street's satisfaction in principle with all remaining parties in the battle to buy the Blues from Roman Abramovich.

Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family and Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, in partnership with US magnate Mark Walter and British businessman Jonathan Goldstein, have both pushed hard in their bids for the Blues.

Martin Broughton and Sebastien Coe have teamed up on another bid, while Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca is also in the running.

The Ricketts family's bid has drawn criticism among Chelsea supporters, with an online petition launched against their candidacy.

A small protest was also staged at Stamford Bridge ahead of Brentford's 4-1 win over Chelsea earlier this month.

Chelsea supporters have objected to controversies around the family including patriarch Joe Ricketts' Islamophobic statements in leaked emails from 2019.

Siblings Tom and Laura Ricketts are thought to be considered suitable bid leaders however, owing to their Cubs stewardship and efforts towards community relations and diversity and inclusion in Chicago.

The bid also boasts major financial backing from two of America's richest men in Ken Griffin and Dan