Newcastle target Zola as Keegan exit descends into war of words

Kevin Keegan's departure from Newcastle United descended into a public slanging match last night as the row between the club and their former manager looked to be heading for a multi-million pound court case.

Owner Mike Ashley made the first moves to replace Keegan by targeting former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola, who was yesterday interviewed for the vacancy at West Ham, and Spanish pair Jose Antonio Camacho and Marcelino Toral.

But the argument about the reasons why Keegan quit is set to continue long after a new manager is appointed.

Target: Newcastle want Gianfranco Zola

Keegan walked out of Newcastle on Thursday, claiming boardroom interference prevented him from doing his job after transfer deadline day saw Michael Owen and Joey Barton offered for sale without his approval and the club bring in two players he had never seen play or asked the club to sign. Newcastle yesterday issued a strongly-worded statement denying that anyone had stopped Keegan performing his contractual obligations.

It read: 'It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, on appointment on January 16, 2008, agreed to report to a director of football and to the board. It is a fact that Kevin Keegan, as manager, had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the team. It is a fact that Kevin Keegan was allowed to manage his specific duties without any interference from any board member. It is a fact that Kevin Keegan agreed only to deal with the media in relation to club matters relating to the team and not to communicate with the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.'

However, the club's statement made no direct reference to Keegan's complaint that, despite assurances to the contrary, transfer dealings had been conducted without his knowledge or approval, a point taken up by League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan.

He presented evidence that Ashley and his executive director football), Dennis Wise, had both publicly stated Keegan would have the final say in transfers.

Keegan said: 'When I joined Newcastle it was made very clear to me that I would have the final say on player movement in and out of the club.'

And Bevan pointed to quotes attributed to Ashley in an interview in the current issue of the official club magazine, in which the owner says:

'If the deal is right - and that means the right player who Kevin wants - then we will do that deal. Kevin is very particular about who he wants. To use his words, they have to have the right heart. That is massively important for him. If they don't, then he's not interested.'

Wise was quoted in February expressing similar sentiments.

'I am here to help Kevin as much as possible with bringing young players through and also recommending certain players to him. He will say yes or no. He has the final word,' he is reported to have said.

'I am not going to do things like bringing players in behind his back. Everything that happens will be run past him and he will say yes or no.'

The issues may well be tested in court, with Newcastle apparently determined to claim the £2 million they claim Keegan's contract says he must pay in the event of his resignation, and Keegan considering a case for constructive dismissal.

Ashley, meanwhile, is beefing up his personal security in the wake of the backlash from Newcastle fans, with former SAS men and Gurkhas being lined up to safeguard both him and his home.