The consortiums involving ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly have made the shortlist of bidders to buy Chelsea, representatives of the groups have told the BBC.
Around six groups are thought to have lodged a bid for the Premier League club before last Friday’s deadline.
A shortlist is being established before a preferred bidder is announced.
On Thursday, the Saudi Media Group said it had not made the shortlist.
Another frontrunner, the Ricketts family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are still awaiting an update on their bid.
Chelsea have been granted a special licence by the UK government to continue operating after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian billionaire Abramovich is seeking £3bn for the sale, but the proceeds will go to a charitable foundation or a frozen account with approval from the government.
Any sale must be signed off by the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test.
It is understood bids are being assessed on their valuation of the club, their working capital commitment, their source of funds, the speed and certainty with which they can close the transaction and their background in sport.
- Who are the frontrunners bidding to buy Chelsea?
American investment firm Raine Group has been tasked with selling Chelsea and the UK government is expected to issue a new licence, allowing the club to be sold once a preferred buyer has been highlighted.
Raine informed unsuccessful bidders they were out of the running on Thursday before beginning the process of confirming its shortlist.
Former British Airways chairman Broughton, who is a lifelong Chelsea fan, said fans would be “at the heart of decision making” if their bid was successful.
The 74-year-old added the group was “committed to ensuring Chelsea maintains its preeminent position at the top of European football”.
Broughton’s consortium includes London 2012 chief and current World Athletics president Lord Coe.
Wall Street investment banker Michael Klein has added major financial backing to the group, with a number of others involved.
US businessman Boehly’s bid is part of a consortium that also includes Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
They are joined by American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
The group is working with America-based investment firm Clearlake Capital, which has about $60bn (£45.6bn) of assets under management.
Meanwhile, the Ricketts family, who own Major League Baseball team the Chicago Cubs, are leading a bid from a group of investors which includes US billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin.
The Ricketts-led group believes its renovation of Chicago’s Wrigley Field stadium proves it is a strong candidate given the work required at Stamford Bridge.
However, the bid has been criticised after it emerged that Joe Ricketts was accused of Islamophobia three years ago.
