Ashley and Shearer to learn bankers' verdict

Alan Shearer is expected to hear news on his future at Newcastle United today.

Owner Mike Ashley has been in negotiations with banks to maintain and extend Newcastle's £40m working capital facility, which is required if Shearer is to be given a contract and money with which to begin to restructure the squad. A provisional agreement is in place on the blueprint Shearer presented last week, but as of late yesterday there was still no indication of the response from the banks.