New York Jets owner Woody Johnson ‘launches £2bn bid to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich’ before Friday’s deadline

New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson has reportedly launched a £2billion bid to buy Chelsea.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is selling the club after he was sanctioned by the UK government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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 £2.7billion but he believes he can win because of his extensive London links.

The report said the parties interested in bidding for Chelsea have been advised to submit a detailed background report on all investors amid the growing anxieties over appropriate club ownership.

Sources close to the sale say there are as many as 200 interested parties. As it stands, property developer Nick Candy, a consortium led by LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and a group led by British businessman Sir Martin Broughton are among those rated as the most serious contenders.

The 74-year-old billionaire, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company, has reportedly already spoken to Raine Group, who are organising the bidding process.