Swiss-American consortium interested in buying Chelsea from Abramovich 'STILL looking for partners'

The Swiss-American consortium among the interested parties in buying Chelsea is still reportedly looking to complete its team despite already making a bid to buy the club.

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American tycoon Todd Boehly were the initial two businessmen involved in the consortium.

The pair were then joined by Jonathan Goldstein, a London-based property investor, who was revealed as the third man involved.

But Swiss outlet Blick claim their team is not complete as was previously thought, and while they are holding talks, they are still looking for partners with this week's deadline fast approaching.

The report however insists that the consortium their confirmed bid in the region of £2.5billion to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich - who is selling the club after being sanctioned by the UK government - remains valid.

A deadline of Friday, 18 March has been set by the American merchant bank Raine Group for bids to be submitted, but the failure to complete their team appears to make it unlikely the Swiss-American consortium will be the favoured bidders.

Speaking about the consortium's interest last week, Wyss, a Swiss national, said they were looking for a team consisting of 'six to seven' investors.

'Abramovich is one of Putin's closest advisers and friends. Like all other oligarchs, he is also in a panic,' he explained.

'Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three other people received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.

'I have to wait four to five days now. Abramovich is currently asking far too much. You know, Chelsea owe him £2 billion. But Chelsea has no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea should compensate Abramovich.

'As of today, we don't know the exact selling price. I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners. But I have to examine the general conditions first. But what I can already say: I'm definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.'

Goldstein, the founder and chief executive of multi-national investment firm Cain International, was then named as the third having worked with LA Lakers and LA Dodgers part-owner Boehly for eight years.

Cain International has assets worth more than £8billion, although Goldstein's net worth is not known.

Goldstein, who is also the former chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, grew up in Essex and is a firm Tottenham fan.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has also reportedly launched a £2bn bid to buy the club.

According to the Sun, the American businessman - a long-time ally of former US President Donald Trump - hopes to seal the deal before Friday's deadline.

His bid is less than the Saudi Media Group's £2.7bn — but he believes he can win because of his extensive London links.

As it stands, property developer Nick Candy, the Swiss-American consortium and a group led by British businessman Sir Martin Broughton are among those rated as the most serious contenders.

But Ghanaian businessman Bernard Antwi Boasiako is the latest to throw his hat into the ring, pledging to bring stability back to Chelsea after confirming to Sportsmail that he is interested in bidding for the club.

Claims emerged last week that the gold mine owner was exploring an offer to buy the crisis-stricken Stamford Bridge club, with a spokesman for the African businessman now confirming his interest.