The two failed Chelsea bidders believe Jim Ratcliffe will become a serious player in the race to buy the club should Todd Boehly's £3.5billion deal collapse, despite Britain's richest man being told he isn't under consideration.
Sources close to the process insist Blues-owner-in-waiting Boehly, through his consortium which includes investment firm Clearlake Capital, still intends to seal a deal despite the uncertainty created by Roman Abramovich's apparent attempts to renege on a promise to write off a £1.6billion debt.
Boehly is in the middle of a five day exclusivity period during which time he is required to sign a purchase agreement, which is expected to be a formality.