Chelsea fan Candy joins Blues bidding war as multiple billionaires express interest

The west London club are on the market for around £3billion after Russian owner Abramovich announced his decision to sell amid the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

US bank Raine Group have told investors to place formal offers by March 15 - and a number of bids have already been made.

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American investor Todd Boehly are fronting up a consortium which has already tabled an unknown amount to buy Chelsea.

Meanwhile, little-known Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak has claimed he is closing in on a takeover deal.

Abramovich's statement has sparked a bidding war and property tycoon Candy is the latest contender to express a genuine interest.

It is understood the 49-year-old is looking to purchase the club for £2.5bn, with another £1.5bn set aside to redevelop Stamford Bridge - which would give him an edge over other would-be buyers.

A spokesperson said: "Nick Candy is actively exploring a number of options for a potential bid for Chelsea. Any bid would be made in conjunction with another party and we have serious interest from several international partners.

"Mr Candy has a huge affinity with Chelsea. His father was asked to play for the club and he has been watching matches at Stamford Bridge since the age of four. The club deserves a world-class stadium and infrastructure and Mr Candy's unique expertise and background in real estate would be a hugely valuable asset to delivering this vision."

Elsewhere, property billionaire James Reuben - another Chelsea fan - is understood to be considering a bid, although his stake in Newcastle following their recent Saudi-backed takeover could cause complications.

And American investor Josh Harris, who currently has a minority stake in Crystal Palace, has been mentioned among those considering a bid.