Global investment firm Centricus, who are making a bid to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, have claimed that they will maintain the existing management team at the club.

It is reported that at least four consortiums have made a bid to buy the Blues, and it is believed that those bidding will be cut down to a shortlist this week, before a sale is completed by the end of March.

Centricus are expected to need to improve on their latest bid as British property investor Nick Candy increased his £2bn bid on Monday, after a large Korean financial institution joined his consortium.

In a statement, Centricus said: "We will be committed to supporting [Chelsea] and its key stakeholders to ensure its continued success.

"Our financing for the deal includes funding for the completion of the transaction and funding for working capital required for the day-to-day operations of the CFC Group, funds required to maintain an elite global brand, investment in grassroots and in-community football initiatives such as the Chelsea Academy, the women's team, the youth development programme and the Chelsea Foundation and strategic real estate investment.

"The intention is to maintain and support existing management on both the business and sporting operations of the CFC Group. We intend to maintain the existing strategy direction.

"Clearly, the CFC Group has been operating in challenging conditions and we appreciate the importance for the CFC Group, the fans and other key stakeholders of ensuring a smooth and stable ownership transition."

Centricus, who hold £29bn in assets, are believed to have many Chelsea season ticket holders in their ranks.