The Times quotes banking sources to the effect that Global is the "hot favourite" because it has the cash to buy Emap's radio division outright.
The other bidders - GCap Media, Vitruvian Partners and Veronis Suhler Stevenson - are believed to have less firepower, while TalkSport owner UTV has bowed out of the auction.
GCap may be hindered by regulatory barriers from buying all of Emap's radio assets, which include Magic, Kiss and the Big City network.
The Times adds that Guardian Media Group has told Emap's bankers of its interest in Magic and has also spoken to Global Radio about doing a deal over Magic should Global carry off the whole Emap radio division.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
