Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani has entered direct talks with the Glazer family about his bid for Manchester United.
Sheikh Jassim tabled a new offer for United this week in competition with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Reporter Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: "There have been, what I understand to be, in-depth conversations and direct conversations between the Glazers and the Nine Two Foundation as well.
"All signs point to the fact that the Glazers are actually getting both groups to get deep into this process. If they green-light one of them, they'll be in a position, transactionally speaking, to move as fast as possible.
"I think that's why both groups have been in the dark for so long."