Why there is a deal in a fairly advanced stage:
If you want to sell something, you don't start tearing pieces out of it. You don't dismantle the drive train of a car before listing it. You don't dismantle the electrical wiring of a house while you're waiting for a buyer.
Not renewing contracts for Delph, Vlaar, etc. Means you are expecting a sale in relatively short order, those contracts can be sorted in plenty of time given the anticipated takeover time frame.
Now, the expected deal could collapse...... but one is or at least was, expected to be done in weeks, not months, not no buyers in sight. It's just not plausible given the clubs ACTIONS. (which, after all, speak louder than words)