Newcastle chief hints at Shearer decision

Alan Shearer is likely to find out if he will be appointed Newcastle manager on a permanent basis in the next seven days.

Shearer has been left in limbo since his eight-match spell as interim manager ended in relegation from the Premier League at the end of the season.

The former Newcastle and England striker wants to take charge for the long-term, but owner Mike Ashley’s decision to put the Championship club up for sale brought a halt to negotiations over Shearer’s future.

However, with Newcastle due to return for pre-season training early in July, managing director Derek Llambias revealed the 38-year-old could be appointed within days provided that the groups currently engaged in the bidding process for the club all agree they want him as boss.

Although a successful buy-out could still be some weeks away as due diligence would have to be carried out, Shearer could be put in place to belatedly start the business of preparing for the new season.

Llambias told the Journal: “There could be some movement regarding Alan Shearer at the end of this week or early next week.

“We will not be making any decision on Alan as manager – that is not up to us, that is down to the groups who are buying the club.

“If they want to appoint him, then it’s up to them. We will speak to them about it. If they do want Alan, then something could be done in the next few days. That’s where we are at this stage and everything is ongoing.”