MIKE ASHLEY is hopeful of positive developments in his attempts to sell Newcastle United by the end of the week, but he has been forced to confirm the temporary managerial appointment of Chris Hughton.

The squad are back for preseason training tomorrow but any hopes among the supporters of seeing Alan Shearer take the first session of the summer disappeared yesterday.

With four consortia undergoing a process of due diligence, Keith Harris, the investment broker seeking a buyer, is satisfied that progress is being made and that Ashley will sell sooner rather than later.

But with the situation far from clear, Shearer’s installation as the club’s permanent manager cannot be confirmed, paving the way for Hughton to step in – again.

Hughton will resume caretaker control, having been asked to take on such a role on two separate occasions last season, and he will be assisted by Colin Calderwood while Ashley continues to press ahead with his attempts to sell.

“Everything will be done properly with the group of players that is there and everything going on outside of that has to stay outside of that,’’ said Hughton. “Whatever the situation will be, when it comes to the first day of pre-season training, the players will go through a good correct programme for however long it is until someone takes over.”

When Hughton does meet up with the squad much will feel the same, although along with the absence of Shearer the dressing room will be lacking the players out of contract.

Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Peter Lovenkrands, Cacapa and David Edgar are all searching for new clubs with their contracts due to expire at midnight tonight.

Edgar should complete a quick move back to the Premier League with Burnley by the end of the week.

The 22-year-old has been in discussion with Birmingham after becoming unhappy with the terms offered to him at St James’ Park but Burnley boss Owen Coyle has stepped in.

Now the defender, raised in Canada, is expected to finalising a switch to Turf Moor and Newcastle will be due a minimal fee as he is under 24.