Alan Shearer hopes a new buyer can be found for Newcastle United.

The Sun says Shearer was stunned by Mike Ashley's decision to sell the Toon and returns from a sunshine break in Portugal today no closer to landing a new deal.

His relationship with Ashley is at breaking point as the billionaire owner is advising prospective buyers to ditch Shearer and go for experience.

Shearer's pal Barry Moat, a local businessman, has been linked with a move and ex-chairman Freddy Shepherd is keeping tabs on the situation.

A source close to Shearer said: "Alan is really low and it hurts to know Ashley doesn't think he has got what it takes.

"The club is in a mess and he knows Ashley's decision to cut and run has made everything a hell of a lot worse."

Shearer has been linked with West Brom should Tony Mowbray join Celtic and a return to former club Southampton is an option.