What is clear is that there remains huge scepticism at United that Profitable can raise the cash to meet Ashley’s asking price – or that they have the money to back up their promises of significant funds for prospective new boss Alan Shearer.

Senior officials at United told The Journal that Profitable will have to provide proof “as soon as possible” that they have significant funds or they will not be considered serious bidders.

That means evidence that they have the cash to match Ashley’s £100m price

tag – and to manage the debt that has been accrued over the past 12 months.

United insiders have suggested that there are other groups considered more serious contenders to buy the club from Ashley, who is increasingly desperate for a quick sell.

United managing director Derek Llambias told The Journal on Tuesday that “three or four” groups have entered discussions with Seymour Pierce. And there is at least one other consortium at a more advanced stage than Profitable.

A group led by former chairman Shepherd is believed to be further along than the Singapore group, with some suggestions that they have even begun due diligence. It is unclear who is providing the backing for the group being guided by Shepherd.

But their plans for the club do appear to include appointing Shearer as United’s new boss. Indeed, it has been claimed that the pair have already met in Gosforth to discuss how the club could be moved forward if they were to be successful.

Shepherd’s interest is far from isolated, with a group from Oman also reported to be eyeing the club.

And there is interest from South Africa too – although that is not linked to Scottish-born businessman Jonathan Cleland, who claimed to be representing a consortium from the African country in October last year. The confusing picture hardly aids the cause of Shearer, though, who is still waiting to get the green light from United’s board to begin work as manager.

The longer the delay, the less chance of United retaining some of their key players for a crack at the Championship next season.

Damien Duff was linked with Aston Villa yesterday, with reports in Ireland also claiming that the players was encouraging a move to either Italy or Spain.