While Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is not expected to be at Old Trafford this week, that has not prevented plenty of speculation about the Qatari banker's bid from emerging.
Instead, representatives from the Nine Two Foundation and Bank of America will be in Manchester on Al Thani's behalf, reportedly on Friday. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's representatives are also due to meet The Raine Group before the end of this week for presentations as the process continues.
The American hedge fund Elliott Management, a financing option for other bidders, were in Manchester a week ago for their meetings. Here are the latest takeover headlines.
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UEFA chief hints at major rule rethink
UEFA may allow teams with the same owners to compete for European trophies in a change that could have huge ramifications for the potential takeover of United.
Teams with the same owners - such as Brighton and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, both majority-owned by Tony Bloom - are currently prohibited from facing each other in European competition due to issues of sporting integrity. But UEFA's president, Aleksander Ceferin, has detailed a rethink that could alter the rules.
United received formal bids for a majority or full takeover of the club last month, with both Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe involved with clubs in Ligue 1.
Al Thani 'totally committed'
Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani reportedly remains totally committed to completing a takeover of the club at the earliest possible opportunity, according to The i.
The Nine Two Foundation are understood to be the current frontrunners due to their financial backing and connections within Qatar, though they continue to stress that the chairman of one of the state's biggest banks - Qatar Islamic Bank - is not willing to overpay.
Qatar turn attention to Spain
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) are reportedly exploring the possibility of taking control of the Spanish side Malaga, according to Cadena COPE.
The Paris Saint-Germain owners were rumoured earlier this year to be willing to sell PSG. QSI also acquired a minority stake in Portuguese club SC Braga last year and have also reportedly enquired about Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
The Spanish radio station claims negotiations are open over purchasing a controlling stake. AS and Marca dispute these claims and report that a deal is not at an advanced stage.
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