Rumors surrounding the Nexus 5 continue to point to an October release date and the International Business Times believes a recent drop in Nexus 4 stock points to an early sale date.

"Numerous reports claimed that LG Nexus 4stocks start to dwindle down that suggests the imminent release of Google Nexus 5," the International Business Times writes.

"Many noticed last week that the special white edition of the Nexus 4 was removed from the Google Play Store and then one of the UK's biggest retailers, Carphone Warehouse (CPW) has removed the Nexus 4 from its website."

In November, LG and Google released the Nexus 4, a device based in part on the LG Optimus G, which continues to rank among the best Android phones on the market and there is no sign that Google is looking to replace it any time soon, Gotta Be Mobile also reports.

While the company has not announced official plans for the Nexus 5 or a release date, the stock and promotional move have caught the attention of Nexus users hungry for a new phone.

"Look across retail outlets and perhaps you'll notice one thing: The Nexus 4 is reportedly disappearing from stock," writes Ping Zine.

"Via the Play Store homepage, Google also pushed a limited time offer for the Nexus 4 featuring a free bumper - a sign that the company could be trying to empty its own stock. The missing inventory could clear the way for a new Nexus release in the form of the 'Google Nexus 5.'"