Manchester United are in talks to grant exclusivity to Sheikh Jassim's takeover bid, according to claims made in recent reports.
The Premier League giants are negotiating with the Qatari-led consortium in a £4.7million-plus deal.
According to a source quoted by Reuters on Thursday, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani's bid is being viewed more favourably than Sir Jim Ratcliffe's.
The Glazer family owners would be selling up completely as part of the Qatari deal, while Ratcliffe's bid would see the reviled Americans retain a minority interest in the club.
United's share price has rocketed in anticipation of a deal.
If the exclusivity period is given, United could not negotiate with any other bidder, though it is unclear how long this period could last.
However, it is added that a new bid from Ratcliffe could hinder Jassim securing exclusivity.
Reuters added that representatives for Manchester United and Sheikh Jassim did not immediately respond to requests for comment.