KK not sacked - Magpies

Newcastle have issued a statement insisting Kevin Keegan has not been sacked and say they want him to remain as manager.

Rumours have been rife all day that Keegan has been ousted from his position following a disagreement with owner Mike Ashley but Magpies officials have now denied such talk.

The Newcastle statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

"Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him. The club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

"Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the club.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager."