The news on Tyneside is that Mike Ashley is waiting to see if Newcastle will go into the fourth round draw of the FA Cup before giving Big Sam a blank cheque.
And I can promise you ... that IS the fact of the matter!
But Sam stands firm saying the wheels are in motion.
Allardyce: "I am putting players forward to the chairman and decisions will be made from there.
"The players that might be available and are available are being discussed on a regular basis, day to day.
"I was never given an indication of a budget in the summer and it will be similar in this window."