Chelsea silent on reports Roman Abramovich turned down offer to sell club to Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe

Chelsea is refusing to comment on reports that Britain's richest man Jim Ratcliffe has had a bid for the club rejected by Roman Abramovich.

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday that Ratcliffe, the founder, chairman and majority owner of chemicals firm Ineos, had offered £2billion to buy the west London club.

The Blues' Russian owner Abramovich rejected the bid, according to the Mail.

It is understood that the 51-year-old is not interested in selling the club.

The club announced at the end of last month that their plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge had been put on hold, which was interpreted by some as Abramovich's response to delays over the renewal of his UK visa.

The London-based investor, who bought Chelsea in June 2003, is currently without a UK visa and missed the club's FA Cup final victory against Manchester United last month.

Ratcliffe was reported to be worth £21billion in the Sunday Times Rich List last month.

Ineos already owns Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.

A spokesman for Ineos said in response to the Mail story: "We can't comment on market rumour or speculation."