English billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who has been linked with a takeover of Chelsea, has agreed a deal to buy Ligue 1 side Nice.
Ratcliffe, a Manchester United fan who was previously interested in buying Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, has now received a green light from France's competition authority to take control of the French side managed by former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira.
Abramovich's future as Chelsea owner was believed to be in doubt after he withdrew an application for a UK visa. Abramovic's visa expired earlier in the year, and plans for a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge were put on hold due to "the current unfavourable investment climate".
A reported move for Chelsea worth around £2billion was said to be declined by Abramovich, and Ratcliffe has moved elsewhere, agreeing a move to take over Nice in a deal worth around €100m.
Ratcliffe's company Ineos also owns Swiss second division side FC Lausanne-Sport, but that has not proven to be a barrier in this deal.
