Keegan and Ashley talks fail

Apparently, Kevin Keegan and Mike Ashley last night held surprise reconciliation talks - which seemed to fail - despite the efforts of the club to persuade Kevin Keegan to return to Newcastle.

Dennis Wise and Kevin Keegan reportedly fell out behind the scenes over transfer policy, and Keegan wanted to take more control of the club's transfer activity. Keegan once said: "It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want."

It is understood that the talks were over several 'unsatisfactory issues', but it is unclear whether the talks were regarding an imminent return to the helm for Keegan, or whether or not the discussions were regarding his exit.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that Kevin Keegan could be reappointed as boss of Newcastle should Mike Ashley sell the club.