It was claimed yesterday that the Saudi Binladen Group, whose chief executive is Osama's half-brother Bakr bin Laden, is the shock front-runner to buy the club from owner Mike Ashley.I don't know anyone who actually believed the story ... (sorry to say it) but it did bring tears of laughter in the 'Bulls' and 'Crows Nest' (Haymarket)yesterday amongst Toon fans thinking about the prospect of Bin Laden mixing with the fans at away games.
However, the club remains adamant that there is no truth in any of the rumours, despite the private equity firm issuing a statement which said it had been approached about a deal.
Derek Llambias, the club's managing director: "At a time when everyone at Newcastle United is working hard to prepare for the new season ahead, it is annoying that we have to continually correct inaccurate newspaper stories.
"Whoever is putting these stories around is clearly trying to destabilise the Club and you wonder what their motives are for doing this.
"By putting a new management structure in place this year, by investing in new signings at first team and academy level, and by introducing cheaper tickets for our younger fans, the long-term commitment and vision for Newcastle United is there for all to see.
"Those actions speak louder than any words and I'm sure supporters see these stories for what they are - utter nonsense."
But may we add ... as long as NUFC continue to issue statements that are blatant bollox ... the fans will continue to wonder about the truth!
Statements such as: "Kevin Keegan was our FIRST choice as manager all along", when they obviously offered the job to Harry Redknapp first.
"We have had no contact with any US company as regards selling NUFC", when obviously they had!
And "Kevin Keegan knew all about our approach to Leeds United for Dennis Wise", when I was in the press conference when KK obviously didn't!
Ashley continues to sit in his little bubble refusing to talk to the media.
So be it ... but if he won't tell us what is happening at the club ... I'm sure the media sees it as 'open season'.
He is not running the 'Bull And Bush' Sunday League pub team. He is running the mighty Newcastle United! And we deserve better PR.