Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said that he is “not giving up” on taking over Chelsea despite “disappointing communication” over his £4.25bn offer.
Ratcliffe, the majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos, made the late bid for the Premier League club on Friday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ineos director Tom Crotty said the offer had been rejected by the firm handling the sale.
But, speaking to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, Ratcliffe said: “Consideration should be given to a British bid.”
A consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly is understood to be the preferred bidder for Chelsea.
American investment firm Raine 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.
Ratcliffe said his group had held “positive talks” with the UK government, but has not spoken to current Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
“We had a communication with Raine and met with them at the end of last week. We presented a bid but have heard very little back from them,” Ratcliffe told the BBC in his first interview since making the last-gasp bid.
“My message to Raine is don’t discount our offer. We are British and have great intentions for Chelsea. If I was Raine I wouldn’t close any door.”
