Joe Kinnear is set to be handed new contract to the end of the season at Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail says Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is preparing to give Kinnear a contract until the end of the season as hopes fade of selling the troubled club quickly.

With one of two American groups on the verge of pulling out of talks with Ashley and his brokers over a £280million purchase, the sports tycoon has accepted he will need some stability during the January transfer window.