Even if Shearer did want to keep him in the Championship there is nothing he can do to prevent him from signing for another club as he is still stuck in limbo waiting for a breakthrough in the ongoing takeover saga.

The Newcastle United Supporters’ Club (NUSC) launched a campaign yesterday, with help from some fanzines, to call for the immediate appointment of Shearer as manager, while also promoting the idea of a Supporters Trust being able to buy a stake in the club when the new owners are finally in place.

However, although their intentions should be applauded, they do not really know who they are sending their message to as none of the groups bidding to buy the club have revealed their identity, and Mike Ashley is only interested in selling up as quickly as possible.

Mark Jensen, long-time editor of leading fanzine The Mag, said: “The fans want Shearer and any future owners would be mad not to see Alan’s potential.

“We are urging the people who can make it happen to give Alan Shearer the best chance possible of making this season a success, to make sure that this is rock bottom and there is not another trapdoor waiting for us that could see us tumble down to the level Leeds are at.

“Any manager is untried until they are given the chance but I think Shearer has that certain steeliness, that certain something. He has to be given the opportunity and the tools to do it.

“By coming together, as representatives of various sections of the fan base, we believe we can send a powerful message of unity that will be picked up by potential owners.”

Meanwhile, United striker Obafemi Martins is attracting interest from Stoke City, although the Nigerian’s wages – he earns more than £50,000 a week at Newcastle – are a problem for the Potters, who are also trying to sign Dean Ashton from West Ham.