In a move that suggests the sale of Newcastle United is effectively postponed, it was announced yesterday that the caretaker manager Joe Kinnear will remain in charge until the end of the season.

Newcastle's new owner is almost certain to hail from overseas - and there is no indication yet from any interested party that Kevin Keegan's return to the club is central to their plans.

Kevin Keegan is suing Newcastle United for £9m in damages after claiming unfair dismissal over his departure as manager, according to reports.

Gerry Francis has revealed he would be honoured to coach at Newcastle, but insists a deal to join Joe Kinnear's backroom staff is still a long way off.

The businessman heading a South African consortium bidding to take over Newcastle has confirmed he has spoken to Kevin Keegan about returning to the club as manager.

Alan Smith is to have an operation on his ankle on Monday, one that will keep him out for three months, Habib Beye may not play before the next international break, which begins on 6 October, and Mark Viduka, who has not kicked a ball since early May, has no return date pencilled in. If uncertainty dominates the overall picture at Newcastle United, the detail is hardly more encouraging.

The never-ending drama at Newcastle United took another massive twist yesterday when owner Mike Ashley bowed to fan pressure and put the club up for sale. At least one member of Ashley's inner circle was yesterday in Dubai, believed to be sounding out possible buyers. The price will be over the £250m Ashley has said he has invested in Newcastle.

Britain's biggest sporting goods retailer, Sports Direct, reported flat first-quarter sales and gross profits today and said trading conditions remained the toughest in the group's history.

Embattled Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was under pressure on a second front today after a shareholder action group attacked his company's pay plans.

Newcastle assistant boss Terry McDermott and reserve team coach Adam Sadler have left the club.

Kevin Keegan and Newcastle United were scheduled to have a second round of talks last night as the two parties seek an agreeable conclusion to the fall-out from the breakdown in relationships at the top of the club.

Newcastle today confirmed that talks between manager Kevin Keegan and the club are ongoing.