Budding new Newcastle United owner Sheikh Khaled has contacted the Chronicle to confirm discussions with Mike Ashley.
But the Magpies are refusing to make a further statement.
However, the club have told us that the discussions are genuine.
Some fans thought the story came from a Mackem journalist taking the heat off Sunderland's failure at Wembley ... something which has been tried before. Getting Newcastle to take the headlines rather than further Mackem misery.
Yes many Toon fans were overjoyed to hear the news ... while others weren't so sure ... doubting a takeover would be made so public without pen being put to paper.
The Bin Zayed Group emailed the Chronicle at 16:36 UK time to say: "In response to the numerous reports in the world media this morning, we would like to comment as follows, we can confirm that representatives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan are in discussions with Mike Ashley and his team, about the proposed acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club.
"We view it as an honor to have the opportunity to build on the strong support, history and tradition of the club.
"We have agreed terms and are working hard to complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity."
The fee that is believed to be on the table is £350million but Newcastle are yet to verify that.