Mike Ashley is set to make an appearance at Newcastle United this weekend.

The Daily Mail says Ashley is ready to risk the wrath of Newcastle fans by attending Saturday's game against Reading, as belief grows that he will take the club off the market and give the manager's job to David O'Leary.

Ashley, though, hopes to find out today if Tyneside entrepreneur Barry Moat and his backers are prepared to match his £100m asking price.