Joe Kinnear claims bemuse Alan Shearer

Aug 6 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Nevertheless, in another interview yesterday, Kinnear claimed he would not be able to return to work for another three months, while repeating the argument the club could be sold in a matter of days.

He explained: “Everybody is left in a little bit of limbo. It’s come to a stage now where the people who want to buy the club are squeezing Mike. What they are offering is well below what he is looking for.

“It isn’t for the want of selling, Mike wants to wash his hands of it and get out ASAP, but people aren’t offering him the value. He’s only been offered £75m.”

And, while Kinnear recognises he would not be a popular alternative to Shearer, he continues to argue he did a good job during his four months in the North East and had won over sceptical supporters.

“I’m well aware he (Shearer) is their choice,” said Kinnear, before insisting there would be no money for new players if Ashley does take the club off the market.

“When I was there I was winning them over. It was just a small section of fans on my case. The season ticket holders, the people willing to put bums on seats, were happy with how things were going.

“Since then I’ve had a heart attack and Alan’s gone in. It’s a difficult decision. I’ve got to give it some serious consideration. I’m going back into the fire if you like. A lot of work needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, Andy Carroll has been named in the England Under-21 squad for the first time ahead of the friendly against Holland in Groningen next week.