Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a sensational, late bid of more than £4 billion to buy Chelsea - with the mega offer sent to a merchant bank.
According to The Times, the British billionaire held discussions with club chairman Bruce Buck yesterday and has launched a late attempt to beat off three American consortium.
Ratcliffe, who supports Manchester United, has said the offer would include a pledge of investing £1.75 billion over ten years in terms of developing the stadium, team and infrastructure.
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As well as meeting the valuation of about £2.5 billion for the purchase of the club.
What's more, Ratcliffe has claimed his company, Ineos, are primed to send the money and close the deal for the Stamford Bridge outfit THIS WEEKEND if required.
The 69-year-old has also said he has discussed the deal with the UK government.
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"We put an offer in this morning," he revealed. "We are the only British bid. Our motives are simply to try and create a very fine club in London.
"We have no profit motive because we make our money in other ways."
Outgoing owner Roman Abramovich is thought to be demanding a whopping £2.5 billion to hand over Chelsea.
But Ratcliffe's staggering offer has surpassed that figure.
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He's one of Britain's richest men and is valued around £21 billion.
Nasir Jabbar