Newcastle United sources are insisting that it is "business usual" on Tyneside - despite suggestions of a major development via a tweet from former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys.
It is thought that managing director Lee Charnley and those who frequent the corridors of power at St James' Park were left surprised by the revelation on Monday night.
United have not commented publicly but stated earlier this year they would not provide a "running commentary" on takeover news.
Keys - who is now based in a TV role in the Middle East - posted to 258,000 followers on his Twitter account: "Getting the feeling from what I’m hearing that this could yet turn out to be a very good week for Newcastle fans."
But even Mike Ashley is understood to have been take aback by the post with the Toon owner having just returned from a family break.
Ashley has taken a back-seat at St James' Park this season but has sent close aides Keith Bishop and Justin Barnes to the club to give him feedback on progress on Tyneside.
Coaching staff have also not been alerted about any major changes to look out for.
Whether Keys has been tipped off by an interested takeover group remains to be seen but he has not followed up his cryptic post.
