There is definitely something going on. How advanced it is or will ever get is the issue.
It’s clear Ashley will only sell if he “wins” the deal. That’s why it’s been 10 years. No one has agreed to his terms.
This current one could be near final stages. I would, say the “leak” that Ashley is so furious about came from him in some way. He uses it as a last minute negotiation tactic to squeeze any extra out of the deal. If he can’t get it then it collapses and he blames leaks and buyers not having a pot to piss in.
There is no way we get a clean break. He will want sponsorship deals for a certain amount of time. Or to still have the club shop as an SD shop. Or who knows what else.
Someone will have to give in to his demands somewhat and we will have to deal with his fat ghost hanging around for several years after any sale. Which I would gladly take in the long run.
When you come to big business and big deals you get a lot of egos. Not many would be willing to give up anything.
So until someone is willing to do that or he needs to sell because it’s costing him a lot of money then he stays.