As Per usual, transfer fee is the issue with Keegan's £6m target

Per chance he'll come to Toon? Kevin Keegan's target Per Ciljan Skjelbred is rated at £6m

The Norwegian side have finally agreed to sell the 21-year-old Norway star, whom Keegan has been targeting all summer. But, according to the Daily Star, the final decision is out of the troubled Toon chief's hands, despite his desperation for reinforcements before Monday's midnight deadline.

Keegan has even considered joining the race to sign ­veteran striker Henrik Larsson on a short-term ­contract if other deals fall through. However, the manager has let club owner Mike Ashley and his board know that he believes their top priority should be trying to hold on to Michael Owen and Aston Villa target James Milner.

The Newcastle boss had given Milner a personal assurance that he would be offered improved terms, bringing him into line with some of the squad's top earners.

With executive director Dennis Wise ignoring his pleas, Keegan is now fighting a losing battle to keep Milner, who is expected to join Villa for £10million.

And, with the Toon board apparently in no hurry to finalise a new deal for Owen, the 57-year-old fears his captain could also leave in the New Year.

The contract wrangles have distracted Keegan from strengthening his squad during the close season, but he is hoping they can land Skjelbred, one of Scandinavia's hottest prospects.

are also keen on the youngster, and Rosenborg sports director Erik Hoftun admitted last night: 'If we receive an offer of £6million, then we would have to consider it.''

Keegan is also anxious to sign a left-back and has not given up on Blackburn's Stephen Warnock, despite Paul Ince insisting the defender is not for sale.