A new Blue? Seattle Sounders’ billionaire owner Allen emerges as fresh contender as Abramovich considers £3bn cash in at Chelsea

A new contender to take Chelsea off Roman Abramovich ‘s hands has emerged.

That is despite the Blues continuing to maintain their stance that the club is not for sale.

The Russian has now owned Chelsea for 15 years and is believed to be contemplating the opportunity to cash in on his investment.

With a reported £3 billion asking price after reports of a £2.3 billion bid being rejected, that would narrow down any potential suitors,

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, is thought to be keen on taking over at Stamford Bridge.

But a new name has now surfaced, Paul Allen, the American business magnate, who owns the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks.

The 65-year-old is reported by Euro United as having met with Pini Zahavi in September in New York concerning the possibility of buying out Abramovich.

Zahavi, a close friend of Abramovich, is tasked with exploring the possibility of selling Chelsea.

Allen was the co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates, and has a strong interest in sport with his NBA and NFL franchises, as well as part ownership in MLS franchise Seattle Sounders.

His familiarity with running sports teams could present himself as an attractive successor to Abramovich in the eyes of Blues fans should a sale develop.