Three groups discussing Chelsea takeover, Mail on Sunday say

Stories in Sunday’s newspapers involving Chelsea…

Chelsea have held talks with three interested parties over a potential £2.5bn sale of the club, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The newspaper believe Jim Ratcliffe as well as United States and Asia-based finance groups are looking to buy the Blues from Roman Abramovich.

Ratcliffe, reported to be Britain’s richest man, has been linked with a potential takeover since last year.

Chelsea have denied that Abramovich is looking to sell the club and have insisted he remains fully committed.

But the Mail on Sunday say Chelsea officials have in recent weeks taken part in what have been described as ‘exploratory talks’ with the three parties.

Ratcliffe is reportedly interested in a deal to buy out Abramovich

Meanwhile, Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund’s teenage Swedish striker Alexander Isak, the Sunday Mirror say.

Isak, 19, is currently on loan at Dutch club Willem II and Chelsea are said to have sent a scout to watch him in action against Ajax.

The Mail on Sunday say a Chelsea scout watched Benfica play Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday – Benfica’s 19-year-old forward Joao Felix is reportedly being tracked by several English clubs.

Barcelona could make another move for Willian, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Chelsea have previously rejected approaches from Barca for the Brazilian, whose contract expires next year, but the La Liga giants are apparently still keen.

Michy Batshuayi, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, could be sold to Borussia Dortmund if the German club match Chelsea’s £40m valuation, the Sunday Express say.

And the Sunday Mirror reports that Cesc Fabregas felt he had to leave Chelsea because Jorginho is ‘like a son’ to boss Maurizio Sarri.

Fabregas, now with Monaco, is quoted as saying: “I was at Chelsea and I could have renewed my contract and stayed there but a new coach came with a player that for him was like his son.”