Shearer could become Newcastle boss ahead of takeover

Shearer could be appointed within days (REUTERS)

Alan Shearer could be installed as Newcastle manager before a takeover is completed.

Managing director Derek Llambias has revealed that 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.

Interested parties who have proved they have the finance to push a deal through will be able to study the club's books from tomorrow, when an on-line "data room" opens.

Although a successful buy-out could then still be some weeks away as they carry out due diligence, 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.

"The data room will be open on Wednesday, which will allow the groups who have proved they have the money to buy the club to look at the books.

"Nobody has been able to do that yet because the data room hasn't been opened.

"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."

However, sources on Tyneside were urging caution today and suggesting that while an appointment could theoretically be made within days, it might also take a little longer even if there is a unanimous agreement between the competing consortia.

It is also worth noting that Llambias' comments come just days after season ticket renewal packages landed on doormats with the groundswell in favour of Shearer showing no signs of abating.

A series of consortia have expressed serious interest in buying the club after owner Mike Ashley put it on the market once again at £100m.

Only the Singapore-based Profitable Group have confirmed their involvement publicly, although former chairman Freddy Shepherd is understood to be heavily involved in one of the groups.

But with the Coca-Cola Championship fixtures due to be announced tomorrow and Newcastle yet to confirm their pre-season programme, there are big decisions to be taken on the football front and the appointment of a manager is a growing priority.