An increasingly frustrated Alan Shearer has been waiting in the wings after initially hoping to be appointed by Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias within days of the end of last season.
While several of the consortia have indicated the 38-year-old is their preferred choice, the intentions of others, including the Malaysian group, are as yet unknown.
Shearer remains keen on the job, and will hope to have his answer within days with vital time having already been lost.
Caretaker boss Chris Hughton will take those players who returned to Tyneside on Wednesday morning off to their pre-season training camp in Ireland on Sunday, where they will be joined by Damien Duff following his extended break.
They will play Shamrock Rovers in Dublin next Saturday just four weeks before they open their Championship campaign at West Brom on August 8.