It was claimed in a newspaper article, the Saudi Binladen Group, whose chief executive is Osama's half-brother Bakr bin Laden, was the shock front-runner to buy the club from owner Ashley, although the club have moved quickly to deny these rumours.
Derek Llambias, Newcastle managing director said "At a time when everyone at Newcastle United is working hard to prepare for the new season ahead, it is annoying that we have to correct inaccurate stories. "Whoever is putting these stories around is clearly trying to destabilise the club. "Those actions speak louder than any words. "I'm sure supporters see these stories for what they are - utter nonsense."