Nicklas Bendtner was top of Pardew's list three weeks ago, but Ashley said Newcastle were "priced out of the market".
But instead ... Sunderland boss Steve Bruce got his man when he clinched a season-long loan deal for the Arsenal striker.
The 23-year-old has got a temporary move to the Stadium of Light after being told he was not part of Arsene Wenger's plans.
Steve Bruce: "I've had the privilege of working with Nicklas previously. I had him as an 18 year-old and he helped clinch promotion for Birmingham.
"He's an outstanding talent and is a big, physical presence who will lead the line magnificently for us."
Bendtner is the third frontman to arrive at the club this summer following the captures of youngsters Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won, who Bruce believes will be big players for the club in the years to come.
He has won 38 senior caps for Denmark and scored 12 goals.
Bendtner becomes Sunderland's 11th summer signing with the previous 10 all having arrived on permanent deals.