San Diego Padres reportedly set for MLB-record $3.9bn sale to Chelsea co-owner

• Clearlake's Jose E Feliciano, wife Kwanza Jones win bid

• Previous record for club was Cohen's $2.42bn for Mets

• Everton owner Dan Friedkin said to be among finalists

The San Diego Padres are nearing a sale to a group led by Jose E Feliciano, co-founder of private equity firm Clearlake Capital and co-owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife, Kwanza Jones, for a Major League Baseball-record $3.9bn, according to multiple reports.

The Wall Street Journal and the Athletic reported on Friday that the group was closing in on a deal. The sale requires approval by 75% of MLB's 30 owners. The reported price would surpass the $2.42bn Steve Cohen paid for the New York Mets in 2020.