Reports on Tuesdau morning claimed the Singapore-based strategic global investment group could not raise the £100million demanded by current chief Mike Ashley.
We STILL believe they DON'T have £100m, and that has been the stumbling block right from the start.
Ashley wants proof they have the dosh - and as yet - they are said to be at least £30m short of the asking price.
Last week, their commercial director Steve McMahon, came under fire for comments he has made about Newcastle United ... suggesting he was a time waster.
McMahon (last week): "We've made an offer, we're waiting for Newcastle's response but we're hopeful, we're trying our best to make this happen," McMahon said.
"It's got to be in the near future - I would imagine this week would be crucial. If we don't hear anything back by the end of the week, it doesn't look hopeful.
"It needs something to happen very, very quickly for the Newcastle supporters, for the players and we're trying to make that happen.
"We can only make the offer that we believe is right, we've done our homework, our due diligence, the funds are in place and we've done our best to try and get the club.
"We've made a very serious and genuine offer, we're just hoping we hear something soon.
"We're not looking to steal the club off Mike Ashley. We've offered what we believe is the value of the club. We believe the expertise we have in marketing and the football side of it, we can make this work."
The bottom line is simple ... has McMahon got £100m?
ANSWER: NO!