... and there was even speculation about a clause in Gutierrez’s contract.
The clause, pointed out by a national newspaper, would allow "Spiderman" to jump ship in the January transfer window.
But Chris Hughton said it was “trash talk”, and nothing more than the London media trying to cause unrest at the club.
Apparently the Argentinian is contracted to United until 2013 after joining from Real Mallorca last term.
But ... no club has tried to coax him from Newcastle since relegation, and let's not forget Mike Ashley had him on his "big earner" list ... one of the players he saw as a way of making money.
Has that changed?
I doubt it. If a big bid arrived on his desk, Ashley would take it. Make no mistake.
Hughton, as ever, was guarded when it came to discussing his transfer targets, because he STILL doesn't know if he will be given money.
Derek Llambias boasted this week: "We ARE looking at new players. We are considering two 16-year olds from Ireland".
Not quite what Hughton, or the fans, had in mind.
And he side-stepped issues about transfer money by saying: “There is nothing more to say this week about what is happening off the field."