Reports from London today suggest Mike Ashley scrapped his proposed meeting with Joe Kinnear because the club is close to being sold ... and Alan Shearer has already put together his backroom staff!

The Express reported yesterday that Newcastle United were on a state of "high alert" as Alan Shearer was tipped to become Toon boss "very soon".

The newspaper reports he has already selected his "staff", with former Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee tipped to be his Number Two.

There is obviously something about to happen, as Ashley told Kinnear their meeting in London (planned for Sunday) has been cancelled.