Ashley is facing a fan´s revolt and only Geordie boy Shearer fits the bill.
But we hear Shearer is set to give him a simple answer: "No!"
MIKE ASHLEY Position: Owner
History: A sports retailing tycoon since the age of 18, has built a billion-poundempire that includes Sports Soccer, Lillywhites, Dunlop Slazenger and Kangol.
Bought the club from Sir John Hall for a reported £134m. Later admitted he failed to conduct due diligence prior to the purchase. Has reportedly been trying to sell the club to the highest bidder.
Attempted to show his allegiance to the Newcastle fans by sitting with them at away fixtures while sporting a home shirt bearing the legend 'King Kev'.
TONY JIMENEZ Position: Vice-president (player recruitment)
History: Worked as a crowd steward at Chelsea where he became friends with Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet.
Lifelong Chelsea fan and holds a Chelsea executive season-ticket. Responsible at Newcastle for targeting players in the European market. Fluent Spanish speaker, helped install Gus Poyet as Ramos' Tottenham assistant. Was director of Casa Sports Holdings Ltd, whose clients included Celestine Babayaro, former Chelsea and Newcastle defender.
DENNIS WISE Position: Executive Director (Football)
History: Former Wimbledon, Chelsea and Milwall player.
Jailed for three months for assault on a taxi driver - later won an appeal against a custodial sentence. Sacked by Leicester City for breaking team-mate Callum Davidson's jaw. Quit as manager of Leeds Utd to join Newcastle in a scouting role, but has reportedly clashed repeatedly with Kevin Keegan over player acquisitions.
DEREK LLAMBIAS Position: Managing Director
History: A successful businessman and long-term associate of Mike Ashley.
Llambias's career has been in the entertainment and leisure industry, most recently as managing director of the exclusive Fifty Club in London. In June 2008 took over as Newcastle Managing Director from Chris Mort.
Since then he has maintained a very low media profile. Reportedly sacked Keegan on Monday following a dispute over the club's failure to deliver his transfer targets.
JEFF VETERE Position: Technical Coordinator
History: A former apprentice at Luton Town, rose from youth coaching role at Rushden & Diamonds to become Charlton Athletic's overseas scouting co-ordinator.
Fluent in Spanish and Italian, worked for Real Madrid. Has an international scouting role identifying youth-team prospects.