Reports from Iceland suggested the sports retail magnate had held talks with potential investors Palmi Haraldsson and Jon Asgeir Johannesson over a £135million-plus takeover.
However, a club spokesman was swift to dismiss the claims, saying: "These stories are complete news to the club."
A spokesman for Ashley declined to comment on the rumours, and while that may do little to clarify the situation, the feeling on Tyneside, for now at least, is that a second change of ownership is not imminent.
There has been speculation for some time that Ashley, who formally completed his £134.4million swoop for the club in June, could quickly cash in on his investment, although Chris Mort, the man he installed as his chairman following Freddy Shepherd's departure, has repeatedly spoken of Ashley's long-term plans for the club.