KK still absent

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has missed a third day of training as talks continue over his future at St James' Park.

Keegan has not been at the club's training ground this week after speculation surfaced that he had walked away from the Magpies over a disagreement over transfer policy.

The former England coach is said to have demanded the removal of executive director Dennis Wise and the vice president (player recruitment) Tony Jimenez in a bid to have the final say over arrivals and exits.

Newcastle claim Keegan has not been sacked or resigned but it appears owner Mike Ashley must wield the axe if he is to keep the 'Geordie Messiah' on Tyneside.

Former boss Glenn Roeder has called the situation a "tragedy" and warned that the Magpies hierarchy are risking alienating the fans.

The current Norwich manager said: "When they talk about Newcastle being a great club, it's only great for one reason - because it has great supporters."

Keegan and Ashley have clashed before over the manager's claim that Newcastle would not be able to break into the top four for years.