Depends how they are paid. If they are taking a percentage of the deal, they could be deliberatley stalling things as they anticipate a more lucrative deal in the future.
We've still got the quote from Llambias, which we believe was also told to the players from a reliable source close to the playing staff.
Rumour looks like tyne-talk spreading shit again, but ultimately whether we are taken over this week is dependent on whether or not Llambias is a liar.
We still have quotes attributed to Llambias that it would be this week, and a reliable source told us that the players have been told the same by him.
So I think what it essentially boils down to is whether or not Llambias is an evil malicious liar.
They would have posted if they thought a takeover was going to happen though.
Not necessarily, they may have been told to expect something on Tuesday, and been promised some sort of exclusive in exchange for silence.
By the way, the Chronicle have submitted todays articles 12 hours early, it is very possible that they wrote them up and put them up in advance to leave room to report on any breaking news today.
Although tbf, he did say it was someone who has been at the club long before Llambias, so rather than a top-end club representative, it could be someone who worked closely with Sir Bobby every day for five years.
Like when it happens it'll be a two line club statement that doesn't tell us very much (as we are no longer on the stock exchange).
Club statement
We are pleased to confirm that on 4th August 2009 St James Holdings have transferred all assets to SJP Asset Management Ltd.
Actually it is a shame we are not on the stock exchange these days, as we'd know who the genuine bidders were already.