Newcastle United have been told to accept offers for big earners Fabricio Coloccini and Obafemi Martins.

The Times says Mike Ashley, the Newcastle United owner, has been urged to accept offers for Martins, the forward, and Coloccini, the defender, to smooth the sale of the club.

Coloccini has been linked with Atlético Madrid, Zaragoza and Seville, and an injection of capital would reduce Newcastle's overdraft at a critical time.

The policy is being recommended by Seymour Pierce, the investment bank handling the sale. Alan Shearer, who hopes to be appointed Newcastle's permanent manager, was not intending to rebuild his team around either player.