Softbank Corp. (SFTBF)

[mick]

It looks like the fight over Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO) has boiled down to Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and SoftBank (OTCPK:SFTBY).

According to NY Post sources, the former is considered the front-runner (interested in Yahoo's core business and a 35.5% stake in Yahoo Japan),

and appears to have the backing of key investors who like the idea of a simple cash deal.

AOL CEO Tim Armstrong is also said to have offered CEO Marissa Mayer a graceful exit.

While a Softbank bid would likely be on the whole of Yahoo, president Nikesh Arora seems to be hanging back to gauge what Verizon's offer will be before he makes a move.