That is according to Blues chairman Bruce Buck, who insists the Russian has no intention of selling the club.

Buck even claims Chelsea owner Abramovich has grown closer to the club despite his rift with boss Jose Mourinho this season.

He said: “If anything, he has more devotion to the club.

“He’s very interested in the football - it’s hard to describe. When we lose a difficult match, he’s sulking and there’s tears in his eyes.

“He’s a real Chelsea fan. He’s not developing this club to sell it off or anything like that.”