Ashley told Chris Hughton this week there is no money to spend on players in the transfer window - unless he sells - but we all know the Toon boss has strong connections at Tottenham.
The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland captain having is not happy at White Hart Lane, and he was loaned out to Celtic for the second half of last season.
The striker has started only two games this term for Spurs.
Harry Redknapp: "I think he'd like to move - he wants to play, you know?
"He's not used to not playing. All his career, he's played and been a big player and he wants to play.
"He could sit here and take his wages, but that's not him.
"He wants to play football. He trains hard, works hard every day, he's shown a great attitude.
"And probably the hardest decision I had to make was last week: I couldn't get him on the bench.
"It wasn't easy when you respect somebody and what a good player he is or has been. It was hard, because he's still a good player."