 DAVID EDGAR is facing an uncertain future due to the turmoil on Tyneside caused by Mike Ashley’s decision to sell up at St James’s Park. The Canadian defender’s contract expires on June 30, and the Kitchener-born player packed his bags for the summer without signing a new deal. With no manager in the United hot seat at the moment, United risk losing the academy product they brought through the ranks at St James’s Park on a free transfer, with newly-promoted Birmingham City already having expressed an interest in taking him on when he returns from his summer break at the start of July. Edgar made 13 appearances for the black-and-whites last season as a back-up player, but the Chronicle understands the son of former Toon goalkeeper Eddie Edgar isn’t keen on spending another campaign waiting in the wings. Yet following United’s relegation, this could be Edgar’s only chance to prove himself as a first-team regular and, as a boyhood fan, he may jump at the chance. However, since Ashley put the club up for sale, he has so far showed a reluctance to pour in another penny in terms of contracts, including that of former No 9 Alan Shearer, with the tycoon also pulling the plug on plans for a statue of the Geordie icon. And that leaves Edgar in limbo at a time when United are going to need a squad capable of coping with the rigours of the Championship, as well as dealing with the Football League’s new seven substitutes rule. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland side Portadown claim they have invited Newcastle across the Irish Sea for a friendly to aid them in their pre-season preparations. With the Championship fixture list due out tomorrow, United had still not confirmed their pre-season plans, but hope to announce them imminently. Portadown secretary Jim Emerson said today: “Newcastle have a big following all over Northern Ireland and it would be just great if it happened. “I believe our manager has been in touch.” | 
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