Ashley lines up OLeary as boss

• Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reconsidering his decision to sell the club and may opt to remain at St James Park, BBC Radio 5 live understands.
  
  It is also believed that Ashley will move to appoint David OLeary as manager if he remains at the Magpies.
  
  Ashley put the club up for sale in May following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
  
  "My understanding is that there will be developments at Newcastle this week," says 5 lives Garry Richardson.
  
  "It could result in Mike Ashley deciding not to sell Newcastle if he cant find a buyer at the right price. He might decide to cut his losses and stay as chairman.
  
  "If Mike Ashley stays it could lead to him approaching David OLeary to be the manager. As always with Newcastle its ifs and buts but certainly as things stand this morning, it could be David OLeary and Mike Ashley could be staying."
  
  Local businessmen Barry Moat had emerged as a leading contender to buy the club, which Ashley bought in 2007.
  
  Moat, an executive box holder at St James Park, has previously invested in the clubs academy and also helped to organise former striker and manager Alan Shearers testimonial.
  
  Ashley paid £134.4m for Newcastle and was reportedly willing to sell for as little as £80m.
  
  It is the second time Ashley has put the Magpies up for sale, having originally taken them off the market in December 2008.
  
  OLeary has been out of management since he left his position at Aston Villa in 2006. The former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender has also previously managed Leeds United.
  
  Newcastle are currently managed by caretaker boss Chris Hughton after Shearers temporary role at the club ended following their relegation last season.
  
  Shearer told the BBC on Saturday that he has not ruled out returning once the ownership situation is clarified.
  
  "Im still in limbo," he said. "I wanted it sorted either way because of my love for the football club. "Id dearly love the chance to finish what I started last season."
  
  On Wednesday, previous manager Joe Kinnear claimed he had been offered a two-year deal to return as boss by Ashley but rejected the offer as he continues to recover from surgery.
  
  Kinnear, 62, underwent a triple heart bypass operation in February.

  Source: BBC