Chelsea have reportedly held talks with three parties interested in purchasing the English giants.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has not been seen at a home match this season, leading to suggestions that the Russian is preparing to sell the club in a deal which could be worth £2.5bn.

According to the Daily Mail, Britain's richest man, Jim Ratcliffe, is interested in purchasing Chelsea, while US and Asian-based finance groups are also in the running.

The report claims that officials from the English club have held 'exploratory talks' with three parties as Abramovich prepares to entertain offers for the club which he purchased in June 2003.

Since the takeover, Chelsea have won 13 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

This season, the capital outfit are on the cusp of making the semi-finals of the Europa League, while they are battling for a top-three finish in the Premier League.