Chelsea bidders raise stakes as battle to take over at crisis club intensifies

Sir Martin Broughton, the Ricketts family and Nick Candy all strengthened their bids to buy Chelsea in another remarkable day in the battle to own the Blues.

Lord Sebastian Coe revealed he had joined Broughton’s consortium bid, Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts confirmed their candidacy and a major backer – and Candy brought Chelsea favourite Gianluca Vialli on board.

London 2012 Olympics powerhouse and World Athletics president Coe added major gravitas to Broughton’s bid to buy the Stamford Bridge club.

Cubs owners the Ricketts family confirmed they would submit their bid for Chelsea on Friday, bringing US hedge fund chief Ken Griffin on board in a show of strength.

And British property tycoon Candy tugged at Chelsea supporters’ heartstrings with the addition of Stamford Bridge favourite Vialli, making the ex-Italy striker’s company Tifosy capital and investment firm the lead advisors to the bid.

Coe would take a seat on Chelsea’s board should Broughton be successful in his candidacy to buy the club, the PA news agency understands.

“I am certain that Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter,” said Coe.

“He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.

“He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.

“But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder. I know that this bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”

Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up