For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. The discussions with the Chinese firms include the potential sale of Shell's stake to one, two or all three of the companies, the newspaper said, adding that Shell is to be open to potential buyers outside China. Shell declined to comment on the report, while Sinopec, CNOOC and CNPC did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Shell in February said it would exit all its Russian operations, including the Sakhalin-2 LNG plant, after sanctions tightened on Moscow. The company earlier this month said it would write down up to $5 billion following its decision to exit Russia. Read more: Energy giant Shell to take hit of up to $5 billion on Russia exit