Raine Group - the investment firm in charge of the sale - set a soft deadline of 10pm last Friday (February 17) for official interest to be formalised.
Sheikh Jassim - the chairman of one of Qatar’s biggest banks and son of former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani - was the first to table his offer.
Less than an hour or so later, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a boyhood Man United fan, was the next to put his money where his mouth is.
Ahead of any further developments, we take a look at the reported wealth of Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim - compared to Newcastle United and other Premier League owners.
The Magpies take on Man United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley tomorrow.
Less than an hour or so later, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a boyhood Man United fan, was the next to put his money where his mouth is.
21. 2nd: Manchester United (potential new owner) - Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani
Reported net worth: (family worth £275bn)
22. 1st: Newcastle United - Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners, RB Sports & Media
Reported net worth: £479bn Photo: OLI SCARFF