The Bellagraph Nova Group have gone public about their continued interest in a takeover at Newcastle United.
Elsewhere, Magpies' head coach Steve Bruce has hit back at critics of the team's style of play so far this season.
Here are your top Newcastle United stories for October 2:
BNG return
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is still holding out for an asking price close to £340million - despite a fresh claim from the Paris-based Bellagraph Nova group.
One of the group's co-founders Evangeline Shen - who wants to front a bid to buy the club - has gone public to the BBC about their discussions with the Magpies.
But it is understood that Ashley himself is yet to become engaged in the conversation as the bid of £280million proposal was deemed too low.
Bruce bites back at critics
Steve Bruce 'understands' that Newcastle United have not played well enough of late - but the Magpies' head coach believes it is 'insulting' to label him a lucky manager.
The black-and-whites got their season off to an encouraging start with an impressive win at West Ham on the opening day but, aside from a 7-0 victory against League Two strugglers Morecambe, the performances since have not hit those heights.
At Spurs on Sunday, Newcastle did not have a shot on target until the visitors were awarded a controversial spot-kick in stoppage time and Bruce's side scraped past Newport County in the Carabao Cup three days later following a penalty shoot-out.
While there are no fans in the stadiums at the moment, Bruce is certainly aware that there is a 'raging debate' every time Newcastle have a 'poor performance' or lose a game.
Ritchie's operation
Newcastle United have confirmed that Matt Ritchie is out until December.
The winger had undergone an operation to his shoulder after leaving the field against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the 1-1 draw in the capital.
Ritchie will now start rehab and look to be back before the turn of the year for Premier League duty and the League Cup quarter-final clash with Brentford.
Transfer deadline looming
Steve Bruce has revealed he doesn't expect to be busy on transfer deadline day - but refused to rule out possible loan deals.
Bruce stated he was ruling out any further cash deals after Newcastle brought in the likes of Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson for £35million in total plus free transfers for Jeff Hendrick, Mark Gillespie and Ryan Fraser.
Injury setbacks
Newcastle United have been rocked by an injury to captain Jamaal Lascelles ahead of the home encounter with Burnley.
The Magpies will also be without Sweden international Emil Krafth while the meeting with the Clarets comes too early for Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett.
It means manager Steve Bruce will have to rejig his defensive rearguard but Fabian Schar is now fit again after a shoulder injury and Isaac Hayden is an alternative in the heart of defence having played there against Spurs in the 1-1 draw.
Barlaser sold
Newcastle United have completed the sale of Dan Barlaser to Rotherham United.
The fee has been described as "undisclosed" by both clubs but as reported on Chronicle Live this week, the Magpies will receive 50% of any future sale.
Barlaser has signed a three-year deal and will ply his trade in the Sky Bet Championship next season.
Sorensen loan
Newcastle United have loaned Danish youngster Elias Sorensen to Almere City until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old will ply his trade in the Second Division in Holland as he looks to improve on disappointing loan spells at Blackpool and Carlisle United in recent seasons.
The youngster has not featured in any first-team training sessions this term and has been located back at the Academy.
