Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley could be back in the director's box tonight against Manchester City.

Mike Ashley is ready to take a more hands-on role at St James' as the club attempts to drag itself out of trouble.

The billionaire held lengthy talks with Kinnear and managing director Derek Llambias last night as they discussed their current transfer targets as well as their determination to hang on to keeper Shay Given amid Manchester City's ongoing courtship.

It is understood Ashley could even be in the directors' box at Eastlands for the Premier League clash with City on Wednesday evening, business commitments permitting.

He has not attended a Newcastle game since the trip to Arsenal on August 30, around a fortnight before he announced his decision to sell the club in the wake of a fans' backlash over Kevin Keegan's departure as manager, having now decided not to pursue the sale.