AS senior officials denied claims that a Far East company were in talks to buy Newcastle United, Alan Shearer faces a long wait to hear if he will be the club’s next manager.

Owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to make an appointment during his attempts to sell up, with confidence still high that a buyer – albeit not the Singapore-based Profitable Group – can be found within the next few weeks.

Shearer returned from a short break in Portugal on Monday afternoon hoping to learn that the crucial bank negotiations deemed to be key to his installation as boss have been successful.

However, there has been little progress and it is increasingly likely that no managerial decision will be made until the ownership of the club has been determined.

While that is hardly the news Shearer is looking for, it is a stance Ashley is determined to take.

Eight days after he revealed he was appointing Keith Harris, the chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, Ashley confirmed on Monday that he will sell for £100m.

Harris claims there are three or four groups seriously interested and word from Ashley is that he will accept the first viable offer at his asking price.

But while there is strong hope from within the boardroom at St James’ Park that a sale will be agreed before the end of the month, little progress over a deal has kept Shearer in limbo.

It is understood that it is extremely unlikely the former Newcastle striker will be installed by Ashley, who has been informed potential owners would prefer to make their own appointment.

Even though that manager may still be Shearer, Ashley does not want to risk any possibility of such a decision damaging his chances of selling.

Among the prank offers that Newcastle have been inundated with since Ashley invited anyone thinking about buying the club to make contact via email, there was further speculation about the identities of those already interested yesterday.

While supporters of Sunderland took advantage of the irresistible opportunity, it was claimed that a Singapore group first linked nine months ago were in talks.

But the Magpies’ managing director Derek Llambias insists the Profitable Group, who list former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon as a commercial director, are not one of the organisations to have been in talks with Ashley’s representatives.

“We know who this Profitable Group are because we had some dealings with them last summer regarding some business in the Far East, but there has been no contact since,” said Llambias.

“We have never spoken to the Profitable Group about the sale of Newcastle since we put the club up for sale.

“They have claimed they have met Mike and myself to discuss things and they haven’t. There are three or four interested parties who we are talking to but these aren’t one of them.”

Former chairman Freddy Shepherd remains interested, although he is biding his time to see what competition emerges and has not been in talks either.

Whoever takes control will not have Michael Owen’s extreme wages to pay, but who remains in the playing squad is very much open to debate.

Aston Villa remain in the hunt for his signature, but Martin O’Neill has discounted suggestions they have already offered him a deal worth at least £6m.

A Villa statement read: “Martin O’Neill has dismissed stories suggesting Villa have offered Michael Owen a twoyear contract.”

O’Neill has hit back after newspaper reports suggested the club were ready to hand the former England striker almost £3m per season – with a further 12-month option dependent on injuries and goals.

With Newcastle likely to listen to offers for all of the playing staff at this stage, Tottenham are believed to be exploring the possibility of landing French defender Sebastien Bassong.