The Newcastle website made a statement saying the club know of the interest, but played it down saying the club is a big attraction to any business because it is heading in the right direction.
But it was quick to sugest the "consortium" were wasting their time, and any move to buy-out Ashley's stake in the club was viewed as laughable.
Newcastle Confirm Interest From Consortium!
Mort: "It's just not true that Mike is looking to sell Newcastle. End of story.
"He has taken them [businesses] under his wing and developed them over a period of years.
"That's what we talk about doing at Newcastle."