Chelsea face a test of Roman Abramovich’s desire to remain as owner, with American financier Todd Boehly continuing to pursue a deal for a Premier League club.

Standard Sport revealed in July that Boehly, former president of asset manager Guggenheim Partners and 20 per cent shareholder in the LA Dodgers baseball team, had shown an interest in Tottenham and Chelsea.

It has now been reported in America that he had had an offer for the Blues rejected by Abramovich.

Chelsea did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning when asked to confirm the existence of a bid which was reportedly made last month.

The club have denied Abramovich is ready to sell despite becoming a more remote figure amid a souring of relations between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former Russian military officer Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. That incident, in March 2018, is said to have led to Abramovich taking Israeli citizenship and shelving Chelsea’s plans to build a new stadium.

Boehly set up investment firm Eldridge Industries in 2015 after leaving Guggenheim and is keen on acquiring a Premier League club, ideally based in London.

It is believed Abramovich values Chelsea in excess of £2.75billion and it is unknown how close Boehly’s offer came to that figure or if he is willing to meet the asking price, but he is thought to be exploring his options.