The Chronicle revealed Geoff Sheard was fronting the bid for American company the Star Foundation way back in August.
Since then, they insist they have remained in the running, although United managing director Derek Llambias has played down their chances ... and the offer was laughed off in certain circles.
Sheard now claims that the matter is in the hands of UK legal giants Halliwells, representing the Americans, and Ashley’s lawyers Travers Smith.
There has been a lot of 'suspect' offers, most of which haven't reached Ashley's table, and many have questions the motives of those people.
We have heard of offers from around the globe - Asia, Aftrica, America, Ireland ... yes, and even Mackemland ... but all have been nothing more than dickheads spouting 'wind and piss'.
Mainly business people seeing a chance to promote their companies because they are guaranteed free advertising in newspapers.
Even Freddy Shepherd got in on the act. Claiming he was ready to bid £100m ... when everyone on Tyneside KNOWS he hasn't got that sort of money.
But Shepherd, as we all know from his time in the hot-seat, is a man with a head full of broken toys. A numpty who loves the fame ... and the fortune if he can get it.
Moat, on the other hand, seems to be the fox in chicken coop. The one to watch.
Would he be any better than Ashley? I doubt it. He hasn't got the billions we hear Ashley has, and we have to question his motives.
So where do we go from here?