I specifically quoted what was said to me, probably worded that way by Marla to give leave a question mark that you have eluded to.

my other intel are a more direct about it, so I am leaning towards he is not tendering

If you want solid proof, you'll have to contact him directly

If I had that, it would have been the subject, not the last line of a message.

but I thought the rumour was too strong to just keep it to myself

safeharbour