Mike Ashley cancelled the proposed "meeting of the minds" after the Chelsea game, but although he decided NOT to meet Joe Kinnear ... he gave the interim Toon boss a call on his mobile.

Ashley told us back in August that he would always have the interests of the club at heart ... and the money (for the sale) would not be problem if the right man made an approach.

However the Wigan chairman told us not to hold our breath, because Ashley was motivated by "greed", and Kinnear says Ashley will not drop his price.

Kinnear: "The deal was to be in charge until the club was sold and nothing has changed since then to be honest.