Ashley to avoid Newcastle 'auction'

Owner Mike Ashley will not become involved in an auction for Newcastle after placing a £100m price tag on the club.

Ashley yesterday confirmed the figure he would be prepared to accept to finally end his interest at St James’ Park.

However, it is understood that, amid suggestions he will wait to see if a bidding war develops, he will take the first viable offer at his asking price.

The club found itself in the firing line once again this morning amid a predictable media response to yesterday’s statement, which encouraged potential buyers to e-mail their interest.

But the continuing uncertainty over the club’s ownership means a managerial appointment is less likely in the short term despite Alan Shearer’s willingness to take over on a permanent basis.

Shearer returned from a short break in Portugal yesterday, but is yet to discover whether or not the current regime want him to start the process of reshaping the playing staff for life in the Coca-Cola Championship.

However, Ashley is believed to be reluctant to make any appointment which would commit future owners to contracts over which they had no say.

In addition, it is understood the package Shearer has requested for himself and his staff would be significantly in excess of current levels in the Championship.

Keith Harris, chairman of investment bankers Seymour Pierce, has indicated there has been contact with “two or three” parties interested in buying the club, and while some may want to install Shearer, others may favour a more experienced man instead.

With the squad in serious need of overhauling, not least to severely reduce an annual wage bill of £74m, vital time is being lost.

In addition, the club’s existing season ticket holders will receive renewal notices later this week, and amid a groundswell of opinion backing Shearer’s immediate appointment, the prospect of a major backlash is growing all the time.