Newcastle United have released a statement denying reports which suggested Alan Shearer had been sacked from his role as an official ambassador for the club.

Following a week that has seen owner Mike Ashley relent to the wishes of the Toon faithful in putting the club up for sale, the dismissal of another Magpies legend would have been a colossal PR own goal.

Reports on Monday morning suggested that Shearer had been sacked in his role and while the club concedes Shearer no longer operates in the same post, they denied he was dismissed.

"Alan Shearer had a contract for ambassadorial duties which ran out last season," read a club statement.