Keegan: I won't be sacked at showdown with Newcastle owner

As Sportsmail revealed yesterday, billionaire businessman Ashley was furious with Keegan's post-match comments following Monday's defeat by Chelsea and summoned the manager for talks.

Dennis Wise, the executive director (football) who was appointed by Ashley shortly after Keegan's return to Tyneside, will also be present at the meeting, along with chairman Chris Mort as the four men try to build a strategy and an understanding.

Keegan will have questions about the future of captain Michael Owen, whose talks with the Newcastle board have failed to secure a new contract despite more than six weeks of effort.

Keegan still wants to build his side around Owen.

Keegan appeared before the media yesterday lunchtime, but insisted he would not take questions on the issue or on his future, preferring instead to concentrate on his team's final game of the season at Everton.

The Newcastle boss, who would normally hold court on a Friday, said: 'The reason we have a press conference a day early is so I can go to London tomorrow to talk to Mike Ashley. That is a good thing.

'I will look forward to that and that is the only comment I will make. I will only talk about Everton from now on so any other questions are for another day.'

Once the television cameras had been removed from the media suite at Newcastle's training ground, Keegan spoke briefly about the pending meeting, and insisted he did not envisage the sack.

He said: 'I've got three years left and I am looking forward to the next three years. At least you know I'll only be 60 then.'

Keegan conceded that the recent unsuccessful pursuit of Croat midfielder Luka Modric did show there would be money to spend this summer, but he is seeking clarification on who is in charge of recruitment and the budget.

Wise and close friend Tony Jimenez have been scouting, identifying younger players with potential, whereas Keegan sees the need to add experienced Barclays Premier League players, such as Shaun Wright-Phillips or Wayne Bridge.

Ashley and Mort will have the opportunity to draw the parameters today.

Despite his admission that the top four would be beyond his reach over the next three years, Keegan said: 'I have really enjoyed coming back to the club I love. I am surprised how it has moved on. It's fantastic. Lots of things are very positive about this club and there are a few little negative things.

'Everton is where we want to be. If you turn this club around, whoever it is, it is like a big ship. When it is listing and things like that, everything is exaggerated and it is a major problem. When you turn it round, the momentum starts to go with you.'

Striker Mark Viduka could be out for six months with an Achilles injury after a scan revealed serious damage.