London, July 29 (ANI): Even as Newcastle is set to start the season without Alan Shearer in charge, the manager is expected to be present in the BBC studio as a pundit.

BBC pundit Lineker said: "Shearer will be in the studio with us unless something dramatic happens. It is such a shame that a big club like that can be in a terrible mess. It is hard to know what will happen."

The Magpies remain in turmoil after Singapore-based Profitable Group on Tuesday pulled out of a deal to buy the club, The Sun reports.

Lineker added: "I have spoken to Alan a couple of times. He doesn't know what's going on at the club. He has an incredible passion for the club and wants to get them back but he doesn't know who the owners are going to be. He is in limbo - no-man's land. But he'll be welcome back at Match of the Day."

The BBC's head of TV sport Philip Bernie said: "We expect Alan to be there as a pundit. That's the plan. We understand he is in a difficult situation which is not of his making - but he's got a contract with us and we expect him to return."

"He's been very reasonable with us and kept us informed of his situation. If he did decide to leave then that's something we would have to sit down and discuss with him and his representatives. But we don't envisage that happening," he added.

Former Spurs and Leicester star Lineker added: "If Newcastle don't get their act together soon, they could find themselves getting a bad start to the season and it could go even more pear-shaped.

"Look at Leeds and where they have ended up. But once you slip from the Premier League it is really difficult. It is much harder than people think and it will be hard for Newcastle. Their opening game at West Brom will be very interesting." (ANI)