According to the New York Post, rumour has it Liberty Media boss John Malone is "privately downplaying" his desire to acquire Vivendi Universal's entertainment assets – seemingly playing up the importance of his company's recent acquisition of shopping channel QVC instead.
Whether he is contemplating pulling out, or preparing the ground should his bid be unsuccessful, it's not clear – though other rumours suggest he might withdraw his offer and encourage Vivdeni to opt for the General Electric/NBC bid instead.