SHEARER 'IN LIMBO' OVER NEWCASTLE JOB

Alan Shearer admits he is "in limbo" over his situation at Newcastle.

The Magpies are still to appoint a permanent manager as uncertainty over the Championship club's ownership persists.

Shearer, 38, who took over on a short-term basis in April but was unable to stop the club relegation from the Premier League, indicated he wanted the job two months ago.

It is thought, however, that a long-term appointment is unlikely until owner Mike Ashley completes his intended £100million sale of the club.

"I know as much as you," said Shearer when questioned on Sunday ahead of a charity match for former Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson.

"I would dearly love it to be sorted out one way or the other then the club can move forward.

"I am the same as everyone else, I am in limbo. I don't know what is going on.

"Everyone is telling me there are people in to buy the club. If that is the case, then great."

Shearer added that he remains fully committed to the club and said that reports claiming he is set to walk away because of the uncertainty are untrue.

He said: "I don't know where that's come from, it's certainly not from myself.

"I want it sorted out as quickly as everyone else does.

"I'm a fan like everyone else and I don't like to see the situation the club is in."

Shearer was speaking at St James' Park ahead of the exhibition match between an England XI consisting largely of members of Robson's 1990 World Cup squad and German veterans.

England were famously beaten on penalties by West Germany in the semi-finals at Italia 90.

Paul Gascoigne, Peter Shilton, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and David Platt were among the other players taking part.

The match was arranged to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, set up last year by the former England and Newcastle manager.

Robson is currently battling cancer for a fifth time.

Shearer said: "It's nice to be back playing a special game for a special man.

"He means a lot, not only to me but to this region and world football. He's a very special man.

"He puts his heart and soul into everything and he is certainly doing that now with his charity.

"He is going through a tough time but he keeps going and that's the Bobby I know."