Ashley Considers Shepherd's Bid!

But they are not understood to be leading the race.

The identities of their competitors remain largely unknown amid speculation investors from South Africa and Oman, as well as a consortium led by former chairman Freddy Shepherd, are currently jockeying for position.

The price is £100million and the only requirement for the successful candidate is to be able to prove they can come up with the cash.

The club's fans will hope that happens sooner rather than later with life at St James' Park having slipped into a neutral gear with less than three weeks to go before the players are due to return for pre-season training on July 1.

Alan Shearer's limbo continues with the current regime unlikely to appoint a manager.