The Sunday Sun: "Shepherd insists that the contract he had as Magpies’ supremo before Ashley’s takeover of the Toon in 2007 has not been paid off.
"But although it is worth at least as much as the compensation pay-out Ashley was forced to make to Kevin Keegan, Shepherd is holding off on pursuing his claim because he fears it would only be added to United’s debts and put off would-be buyers of the club.
"If Ashley officially announces that he is to stay in charge of Newcastle, Shepherd may set the legal wheels in motion.
"But the ex-chairman may also investigate whether he can make a claim against Ashley himself rather than against United."