Chelsea takeover: Deadline set for four-party shortlist to submit final bids

The preferred bidders who want to buy Chelsea have until April 11 to put forth their final bids.

Four parties have made a final shortlist to take control of the club from Roman Abramovich after the Russian oligarch was sanctioned by the UK government for his ties to Vladimir Putin.

The Raine Group, a New York merchant bank tasked with handling the sale, have set a deadline of April 11 for these remaining bidders to submit their final proposals, according to PA.

After several bidders either pulled out of the running or were turned down by the Raine Group, the remaining parties in the race are Todd Boehly's consortium, the Ricketts family, Sir Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca.

These parties now have the chance to submit improved offers, with Chelsea requiring a commitment of at least £1bn in future spending to safeguard their future.

Mason Mount admitted on Saturday that the players remain relatively in the dark regarding the sale of the club, but there was some brighter news for Chelsea earlier this week when the government amended their licence so that they were able to sell tickets again - though they will not be able to keep this revenue.

Chelsea are now able to sell tickets to any remaining Champions League and FA Cup matches this season, but can only sell away tickets to their Premier League games at Stamford Bridge - season tickets and tickets already purchased prior to the sanctions are valid.