Prospective Chelsea owner Nick Candy has denied reports of a joining super consortium which includes Jonathan Goldstein because his rival bidder is a "lifelong Spurs fan."
Candy is one of several investors interested in buying the Blues from current owner Roman Abramovich, who put the club up for sale before being sanctioned by the UK Government, with his links with Russian president Vladimir Putin coming to light following the invasion of Ukraine. With Downing Street now effectively in control of the club's fate, Chelsea are open to offers until the close of play on Friday. As bidders race towards a deal, Goldstein, a London-based property investor, is part of a consortium alongside US tycoon Todd Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, considered one of the favourites.
Candy, also in the property business, was said to be in talks to join the trio's effort in a 'super consortium', but has brutally shut down the reports in a dig at Goldstein - notably Tottenham Hotspur supporter. A spokesperson told the Press Association : "There are no talks underway with Nick Candy and the Todd Boehly and Jonathan Goldstein consortium, not least because Mr Candy does not want a lifelong Spurs fan as part of the future ownership of Chelsea Football Club."
With the deadline looming, Candy was in attendance for the Blues' controversial 1-0 win at home to Newcastle United on Sunday and opened on his intentions if he were to own Chelsea. "I've supported Chelsea since I was the age of four," he told Sky Sports ahead of the match.
"My dad was asked to play for Chelsea. I love Chelsea. I don't mind where it ends up, even if it's not with me, as long as it's in safe hands." Candy then added: "One hundred per cent [the fans need to be included in ownership] and they should be involved. Both on the board and economically."
But not only are he and Goldstein's consortium in the running, it is believed that up to 20 credible parties are keen to win over the keys to Stamford Bridge. Donald Trump 's close pal, Woody Johnson, is the latest in line to launch a £2billion bid to buy the Blues at the eleventh hour.
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The Sun claim that the 74-year-old, Trump's US Ambassador to the UK until last year, is hoping to pip his competitors - including another frontrunner in Saudi Media Group - before Friday's deadline. While his bid is considerably less than the £2.7bn offer from the Middle East, Johnson is confident that he can win the race thanks to his extensive London links.
Co-owner of American football giants the New York Jets for the past 22 years, Johnson also believes that he can raise the Chelsea's profile in the US market should a takeover be successful. However, more competition came from the States on Wednesday, as the owners of baseball behemoths the Chicago Cubs - the Ricketts family - confirmed that they will submit a late bid.
A statement from the Ricketts family explained that they would share further details "in due course" and went on to say in a statement: "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 this Friday."
"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." Chelsea's immediate focus will now be on progressing in the Champions League, heading to Lille with a 2-0 lead on aggregate in the round-of-16.
Amid the chaos off the pitch, manager Thomas Tuchel insists that his players remain in good spirits. "It's the same situation as in the last days. There is no update or other feeling around [Cobham]," the German tactician told a news conference on Tuesday. "We have to deal with it. There are things to talk about, like how to arrive at games."
Blues ace Kai Havertz admitted: "We are all professionals. Everyone knows it's a strange situation for everyone at the club. We are the players and have to focus on the matches. That's all we can do. The other stuff the club has to sort out themselves. It's not for the players. I can't speak about it too much because we are focused on the games and that is what is important for us at the moment."
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