As ever with the council leader, the precise nature of the asset sales was not spelt out clearly, if at all.
He was reportedly talking to the Abu Dhabi government as he tried to forge closer links with the Middle East, and was quoted as saying: "We would allow them to be in partnership with our assets."
Reuters had its scoop, and the story was quickly picked up by national newspapers reporting that Birmingham's financial problems were so great that the council was planning to "sell its cherished assets".
Whitby issued what in the trade is known as a non-denial denial, claiming that his comments had been taken out of context.
But he did not rule out forming public-private partnerships with Arab fundholders in order to kick-start regeneration projects, while stressing that he would continually examine all options for improving the NEC's financial performance.
At the same time, however, council officials were briefing that you could "never say never" and that if the fright offer came along some time in the future.....then who knows?
It is no secret that Coun Whitby has been talking to Middle East fundholders about the possibility of investing in capital projects in Birmingham - the Beorma Quarter scheme in Digbeth is just one example of Arab funding.
Suggesting that foreign investors might be encouraged to take a stake in, or buy out, high-profile assets such as the NEC, ICC and even Birmingham Airport is altogether more controversial.
Could it be that Coun Whitby is testing the water among his own Conservative group, where opinion about the wisdom of selling capital assets is split?
Even if he could convince the Tory group, which is a big if, he would also have to bring the Liberal Democrat half of the council coalition on board. That could prove an insurmountable obstacle.
On then other hand, it could just be the normal thing. He's given an off-the-cuff interview and hasn't explained himself very well. It happens.