According to British media, a consortium led by US billionaire Todd Boehly has signed the contract to take over Chelsea FC.
Accordingly, the Premier League and the British government must now agree to the sale of the Champions League winner to the American-Swiss group.
This is necessary because the assets of the previous club owner Roman Abramovich have been frozen in the course of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
A purchase price of more than three billion US dollars for the football club with coach Thomas Tuchel is under discussion.
Swiss too
In addition to Boehly and Mark Walter, who are co-owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball club, the consortium also includes the Swiss multi-billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, according to media reports.
However, the largest stake in the London club is likely to be held by US investor Clearlake Capital in the future.
The British chemical company Ineos and its boss Jim Ratcliffe probably entered the competition too late with a competing offer.
The financiers around Boehly were chosen by the New York commercial bank Raine to enter into so-called preferential talks with the top English club.
Because of the sanctions against Abramovich, Chelsea are currently not allowed to sign any new players or extend contracts.
In addition, strict financial requirements apply to the club.
Still owner Abramovich had recently denied speculation that he would benefit from the sale of Chelsea.
The Russian billionaire said through a spokesman that the intention to donate the proceeds from the sale to charity has not changed.