The bank's seven-year contract with the club is due to run out at the end of the season and Ashley has stepped in to organise another deal.
The Rock has experienced a turbulent couple of years but we believe the bank is serious about extending its sponsorship deal.
A Northern Rock spokesman: "It is correct that the deal is up at the end of the season, and we are talking about the issue with the club.
"No final decision has been made but there are on-going discussions."