Ashley arrived at the Magpies' Darsley Park training headquarters along with managing director Derek Llambias at around midday and spent an hour there before heading off.
Llambias had earlier confirmed discussions over Tyneside businessman Moat's proposed takeover had begun in earnest.
However, caretaker manager Chris Hughton spoke briefly to Ashley but played down talks of a take-over. Although .... Ashley NEVER tells Hughton anything of importance.
He didn't even tell him Sol Campbell is being lined up as a transfer ... so that says it all.
Hughton "He came up and spoke very well, actually. He came and wished us luck for tomorrow - because he won't be here - and spoke about the game for a while, and that's all it was.
"Any talk about a takeover will be very much between him and Derek."