On Wednesday night, the Qatar-based company and Sir Jim Ratcliffe made improved offers for Manchester United, although there are still doubts that the Glazer family may not sell the club.
Before the 9pm deadline set by the US bank overseeing the process, offers of roughly £5 billion, which would both be a record-breaking sum for a sports club, were withdrawn, as was to be expected.
However, each party feels that they are the only ones interested in purchasing the club, as opposed to taking a half ownership, which is also an option.
The Glazers' willingness to sell the Premier League heavyweights at a higher price will be limited by the apparent lack of competition from other sources.
Participants in the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ratcliffe's Ineos bids will not pay what they believe to be an excessive sum.
It is also acknowledged that their offers and what the Glazers originally desired are still somewhat apart.
Both proposals would easily surpass the previous high, the £3.71 billion paid for the NFL's Denver Broncos, but it is believed that United's current owners are asking for more than £6 billion.
It's possible that a variety of things will keep it from happening. An Old Trafford in dire need of renovation would cost the buyer another £1 billion to £2 billion or more.
The club's Carrington training facility also requires an expensive renovation.
Then there is the potential for a summer transfer market in which Erik ten Hag's third-placed team - 19 points behind champions Arsenal - would require significant investment.
The Glazers have also made partial investment bids. This would supply the money required for improvements.
Yet, there would undoubtedly be uproar among some United supporters if there was any chance of a partial sale.
Supporters frequently yell "We want Glazers out" during games and have already brought banners to Old Trafford advocating for a full sale.
United's game against Liverpool was abandoned amid fan protests following the European Super League fiasco.
The possibility of such toxicity—and the possible harm it could do to the brand if the Glazers stay—may very well be taken into account.
Throughout the course of the following week, Raine, the organization in charge of the process, is anticipated to reply to those who filed bids.
A final round of bidding might then be initiated, or the Americans might decide to begin an exclusivity period with a particular group. A last round of negotiations would then be allowed with full access to the financials.
Sportsmail is aware that Sheikh Jassim is still very much involved and certain that his offer would be the greatest choice for the team, its supporters, and the neighborhood.
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