Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell Chelsea earlier this week.

It is believed that the Russian has set an asking price of £3 billion to sell the Premier League club.

There have been reportedly been many bids for the club already placed, not a surprise given Chelsea's success in the 21st century.

And one man that appears to be in the race is Turkish businessman, Muhsin Bayrak.

Bayrak has claimed that he is close to signing a deal to take control of the club.

"We are negotiating the terms of the purchase of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich's lawyers," Bayrak told Turkish outlet Yeni Safak, per the Daily Mail.

"We will fly the Turkish flag in London soon.

"We made our offer. Because of the war with Russia and Ukraine in the world. Because they find Turkey safe, they want to get most of the after-sales money in Turkey.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich applauds the palyers during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge on May 13, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

"Roman Abramovich has confirmed that he will sell Chelsea, which he bought in 2003, on the club's official website. Our Holding Lawyers and Roman Abramovich's lawyers have been in touch since the first day Chelsea entered the sales process.

Vote now: The GMS February Fan Awards

"The negotiation process has come to an end and we are planning to sign soon. This sale is also very important for Turkey."

Bayrak is the leader of the Mutki Tribe of Bitlis, one of the largest families in Turkey.

Is the European Super League BACK?!?! Find out more on The Football Terrace...

He is chairman AB Group Holding. He founded the company in 1999 and it operates in Istanbul, Italy, Greece and Spain.

The company has investments in cryptocurrency, construction, tourism and energy sectors.

The Daily Mail say that Bayrak is allegedly worth £8billion, which is £2 billion less than Abramovich's net worth.

Little is known about Bayrak but it appears he has the financial power needed to take over Bayrak and, if he is to be believed, it won't be long until he completes a deal for the club.

He may have to be wary of a late bid by UFC legend Conor McGregor, though, with the Irishman saying on social media on Friday afternoon that he's made an offer of £1.5billion.

Quiz: Chelsea under Abramovich: How well do you remember the last 19 years?