Just collecting a few empties in The Transfer Tavern, when Ashley Gray at the Daily Mail tells us, that Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong is “blaming uncertainty” at the Championship club “for blocking his exit” and claims Arsenal have “made an approach” to sign him.

Ashley claiming that the Magpies defender has “made it clear” he wants to leave St James’ Park following the North East clubs relegation from the Premier League and has “revealed his frustration” after returning for pre-season training at Newcastle.

“Premier League clubs are interested in me, but nothing is simple because Newcastle are in the middle of a takeover and nobody knows who will be the manager,” Bassong is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

Bassong said when asked about the interest from the Gunners: “I can confirm there was an approach, but for now nothing is concrete.

“Foreign clubs inquired, but as it is my priority to stay in England, I didn’t respond. Obviously, it would be better if things gathered pace, but I’m not worried.”

It said the big central-defender “was one of the few” to impress in the last campaign for Newcastle, with Premiership sides Manchester City and Tottenham claimed to have “also been linked” to the 22-year-old French Under-21 International.

So what sort of liquid sauce was at the source of this one? Have Arsenal really made an approach to take Bassong to the Emirates? Should this rumour Fly or Die?