Nick Candy has hired former Chelsea forward Gianluca Vialli to advise on his 'looming offer' to buy the west London club.
That's according to Sky News, who say that Tifosy Capital & Advisory, a company set up by Vialli and a group of financiers, is now working with Candy ahead of Friday's deadline for offers to buy Chelsea.
Vialli represented the Blues as a player between 1996 and 1999, with part of that as player/manager. The now 57-year-old Italian managed Chelsea from 1998 until 2000 before being replaced by fellow countryman Claudio Ranieri.
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Chelsea are currently looking for a new buyer following Roman Abramovich's decision to sell the club, just days before the Russian was added to the UK government's sanction list. Vialli was a very popular figure at Stamford Bridge during his playing days and he could now play a 'kingmaker' role in a possible takeover.
A spokesperson for Candy's offer confirmed the appointment of Tifosy. The statement read: "The company is co-founded by former professional footballer and truly adored Chelsea player, Gianluca Vialli. Their work on the data and business analysis so far has been outstanding."
Candy is far from being the only interested party in buying Chelsea, though, with numerous parties said to be keen on taking over the club from Abramovich. The front-runners are thought to be a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss, as well as American businessman Robert "Woody" Johnson and the Ricketts family.
The Ricketts family, who own Major League Baseball franchise, the Chicago Cubs, are now working with the billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin as they look to complete the takeover of the reigning European champions.
A statement from a spokesperson representing the family said: "The Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, can confirm they will be leading an investment group that will make a formal bid for Chelsea Football Club this Friday (March 18).
"As long-time operators of an iconic professional sports team, the 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. We look forward to sharing further details of our plans in due course."
