Uncertainty at board level at Newcastle United persists.

Suggestions that former chairman Chris Mort could return to steer the club through an intensely difficult period were played down on Tuesday as a series of potential buyers jostled for position.

The Nigerian consortium fronted by Chris Nathaniel continues to promote its candidacy, while a less forthcoming South African group is among those to have declared an interest.

But with Seymour Pierce keeping their own counsel amid suggestions that owner Mike Ashley is ready to drop his asking price, the big decisions are being made away from Tyneside.