Chelsea takeover - three remaining contenders and who has ruled themselves out

Chelsea are up for sale - and there's a bidding war at Stamford Bridge.

After 19 years of stewardship, Roman Abramovich has decided to sell the club in the wake of Russia 's invasion of Ukraine.

The conflict brought up the Russian billionaire's relationship with president Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich, who bought the Blues for £140million in 2003, is asking for £3.5billion in exchange of his prised asset, with various parties keen on a purchase.

But already, just two days after the 'for sale' was put up, bidders are laying out out their plans - or lack of them.

Here are those who're still interested and who's ruled themselves out.

Interested - Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss' consortium

First in the race, at least publicly, was Swiss philanthropist Wyss, who confirmed his intention to negotiate with Abramovich on Monday - on one condition.

The 86-year-old would need help, and that appears to have come in the form of US sports tycoon Boehly, who reportedly made to bids to buy Chelsea in 2019.

Already boasting stakes in two Los Angelos sports teams - basketball giants the Lakers and baseball behemoths the Dodgers - Boehly is a big sports fan and clearly keen to expand his empire.

The pair have teamed up in a consortium that, until Friday evening, was the frontrunner.

According to Swiss outlet Blick, Wyss has travelled cross-country from Boston to California to continue negotiations and as soon as Monday was given as a potential announcement date.

Interested - Muhsin Bayrak

While the consortium boasted the tag of favourites heading into Friday evening, Turkish billionaire Bayrak claimed that he is "negotiating signatures" to complete a takeover.

Bayrak is chairman of construction and investment company AB Group Holding and has a reported net worth of more than £8billion.

"Yes, we definitely confirm. We have forwarded our offer regarding this to them," a spokesperson for Bayrak revealed to The Guardian.

Bayrak himself had earlier claimed to Turkish media: "We are discussing the terms of Chelsea's purchase with Roman Abramovich's lawyers.

"We're negotiating signatures. We will soon fly the Turkish flag in London."

Interested - Conor McGregor

Unlikely, yes. Still not the table, also yes.

UFC star McGregor confirmed his interested on social media earlier this week to send fans into a frenzy.

The Irish sensation tweeted: "I wish to explore this, Chelsea" in response to a screenshot of a WhatsApp message from an unknown contact which read: "Chelsea for sale, £3bn. Let's buy it".

Manchester United fan McGregor, who is worth around £135million, has previously shown an interest in buying his beloved club, saying on social media last year: "Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying Manchester United! What do you think?"

Ruled out - Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Labelled Britain's richest man, Ratcliffe - also a United fan - was tipped to buy the Blues within hours of rumblings that Abramovich was prepared to sell.

But the 69-year-old's spokesperson confirmed to Reuters on Thursday that there was "no substance" that the Ineos chief, who notably owns French outfit Nice, was interested in adding a second club to his collection.

Ratcliffe had previously outlined why he has not invested in a Premier League club such as Chelsea, claiming that it did not represent value for money.

However, talks with Stamford Bridge chiefs did take place in 2019 - but there was a stumbling block.

"There was some early exchange but we were a significant way apart on valuations," Ratcliffe told BBC Five Live. "The issue with Chelsea is its stadium. We are all getting older and it is a decade of your life to resolve that."

Ruled out - Loutfy Mansour

Egyptian businessman and Stamford Bridge season ticket holder Mansour pulled out of the running on Friday morning.

Blues supporter Mansour was linked with taking over the club but a spokesman for the businessman told The Guardian : "In light of the recent media speculation, we want to make it clear that we are not pursuing a bid for Chelsea Football Club at this time."