Chris Hughton is set to take charge of Newcastle United's preseason.
The Sun says Toon begin the build-up to the Championship in two weeks but owner Mike Ashley is unwilling to appoint Alan Shearer as long-term boss without the go-ahead from potential new owners.
Ashley wants £100million for the club but four interested parties are unlikely to make an offer until next month as they go through the club's books.
Hughton, 50, took temporary charge last season and will drill the squad until a solution is found.