http://www.newcastle-online.org/nufcforum/index.php/topic,73942.50.html
Weeks before the £35m bid was made.
I think a lot of it was down to the fact most people were pretty suspicious of Ahsley's plans still at that time and just didn't want players out the door, but there was definitely a lot rating him in the £30+ bracket.
Also, it was a local talent going to f***ing Liverpool (on the last day of the transfer window). People were rightfully p*ssed, although in hindsight it worked out a lot better than many/most expected.