None the wiser: No sign of King Kev after bust-up but Newcastle deny Keegan has been sacked

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tonight insisted they have not sacked manager Kevin Keegan

The 57-year-old was reportedly dismissed at lunchtime in the wake of meetings held following last night's closure of the transfer window.

The pair are understood to have clashed over the club's transfer policy and the decision to try and sell controversial midfielder Joey Barton. After announcing the sale of England Under 21 captain James Milner last week, Keegan called on Newcastle supporters to judge him and the club after the closure of the transfer window.

Yesterday the club signed Uruguay international Ignacio Gonzalez and Spanish striker Xisco, two more deals from La Liga which are the handiwork of Dennis Wise and fellow director Tony Jimenez.

It is believed Keegan has not seen either player play.

But the club tonight released a statement which read: 'Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

'Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him.

'The club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like
to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

'Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his
return to St James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role
as manager of the club.

'For the avoidance of doubt, the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager.'