Chelsea sale: 9 major players in bidding war as takeover deadline approaches

Chelsea have been up for sale since the beginning of this month but are without a buyer as the deadline for official bids passes.

Roman Abramovich ended up desperate to cut ties and cash in on the club after he faced sanctions from the UK Government due to his ties with Russia President Vladimir Putin in the wake of his country's invasion of Ukraine.

The oligarch failed to find a buyer before the sanctions came into play and as a result the sale of the club is being led by the US merchant bank Raine group alongside the British government.

Given the fact that money made from the club's sale would no longer go to Abramovich, it is thought that the size of the offer is not the main priority for the Raine group.

Instead, they will focus on which potential owner would be the best fit for the club and urge each bidder to explain what they can bring to the table.

Here takes a look at the main figures in the frame.

The owners of the Chicago Cubs have teamed up with billionaire hedge fund owner Ken Griffin

Owner of the Chicago Cubs, led the iconic baseball team to the World Series and oversaw an £800m redevelopment of Wrigley Field

Want to join the likes of the Glazers, JW Henry and Kroenkes to become the latest US sports owners to buy a major Prem club

Redevelopment of Stamford Bridge likely to be central to their plan, having done the same at Wrigley Field.

Ricketts Family and their partners understand the importance of investing for success on the pitch, while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans and the community.

British businessman Candy is a billionaire property developer who has recruited some heavy financiers

Candy is a lifelong Chelsea fan

Has got former Chelsea boss and player Gianluca Vialli