Newcastle United great Alan Shearer is being linked with a return to St James' Park as part of a new takeover push.

The Sun says group of Singaporean investors are reportedly close to reaching a deal to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley - and have identified Magpies legend Shearer as the club's next manager.

Cousins Terence and Nelson Loh are prominent investors in the Far East and are looking to swoop as the Saudi and American-backed deals to take over at St James' Park stall.

The pair, who head the Bellagraph Nova Group, said on Sunday they have "enlisted the help" of Shearer to ensure the success of the takeover bid.

But the club's record goalscorer may have a bigger part to play than just helping get the takeover bid over the line, ashe is being lined up as the next Newcastle boss.

"We've offered Alan the manager's position, or whatever he would like to do in the club," a Bellagraph Nova Group insider told the newspaper.

“He has already accepted to work with us if our takeover goes through."