Chris Hughton is set for a dramatic return to Newcastle United.

The Sun says Hughton, who took over following Kevin Keegan's departure in September last year and then after Joe Kinnear's health problems struck in February, may be asked to step in once again as negotiations continue over the club's future ownership.

Time is running out before the players are due back for pre-season training on July 1 and no friendly fixtures have yet been announced.

With would-be manager Alan Shearer still awaiting an answer over his possible role, the Magpies have no one in place to make the practical decisions needed as a matter of urgency as they prepare for life in the Championship.

Owner Mike Ashley has delayed naming a manager with a series of prospective new owners insisting they want to make that decision and not inherit a boss.

Hughton could bridge the gap, although after two testing spells at the helm already, a third would present entirely different challenges.