Chelsea takeover DEADLINE LIVE: Bid reaches ‘around £3bn’ with ‘three bidders making only cash offers’

Morning Chelsea fans

Bids for Chelsea have reportedly ‘already reached £3billion’ as today’s deadline nears.

It is also claimed that three of the four syndicates are making all-cash offers and avoiding putting the club into debt.

The Times says bids, led by Chicago Cubs owners Tom and Laura Ricketts and Los Angeles Dodgers part owner Todd Boehly, and Sir Martin Broughton’s group confirmed they have the funds to fully close Chelsea to buy.

But it’s not known how the other syndicate, led by Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, intends to pay.

And in its own way, today’s off-the-field theater might rival Tuesday’s drama in the square.

There’s still praise for the fantastic, epic but ultimately excruciating performance that cost the defending champions a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

Chelsea’s club-record eighth straight win didn’t feel like it afterwards, as Real Madrid recovered from a 3-0 deficit to lose 3-2, beating the Spaniards 5-4 on aggregate after extra time.

Antonio Rudiger’s momentous performance in central defense has fueled speculation of a departure this summer when his contract expires.

Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona and Juventus are believed to be interested.

And Lazio will be chasing Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his revealing performance in midfield.