SPORTSMAIL EXCLUSIVE: Keegan called to account - Newcastle owner Ashley demands showdown talks

Ashley was said to be incensed by Keegan's comments following Monday's game against Chelsea, not least those directed at him.

Hard times: Keegan is under more pressure than ever

Keegan complained that he was not receiving the financial backing to break into the top four of the Barclays Premier League and said sarcastically that his relationship with Ashley was fine because he "never" spoke to him.

What is said to alarm Ashley is how much Keegan's position has changed since he returned to the club in January. Not only did Ashley arrive at Keegan's first match wearing a shirt with the manager's name across his back, but Keegan described Ashley as the perfect football club owner and someone the club should endeavour to keep.

Keegan will now be asked to explain his comments in a meeting that could clear the air, but could also be so explosive that it ends with the 'Geordie Messiah' leaving St James' Park for a second time.

As Sportsmail revealed yesterday, Keegan's relationship with his employers has reached breaking point. Not only is he frustrated by what he sees as a lack of ambition and a reluctance to secure the services of Michael Owen on a long-term contract, but he believes football decisions are being made by the board without consulting him.

A major problem is the fact that Wise and Tony Jimenez, the club vice-president who is in charge of player recruitment, do not seem to share Keegan's philosophy when it comes to rebuilding the squad.

Problems continue: Kevin Keegan has turned Newcastle's season around after a dire start

While Keegan wants the finished article, Wise and Jimenez are searching for players who will increase in value once they move to Newcastle.

Keegan missed training yesterday, such a rare occurrence since he succeeded Sam Allardyce that it sparked rumours he had already quit. However, it was later suggested that he was struggling to cope with an ear infection.

Sources close to Keegan insist he will not resign, not least because he cannot afford to walk away from what would probably be a £3million pay-off, but tomorrow's meeting could yet determine if he still has a future at the club.

Wise is unlikely to be in the best of moods, given that he will not be able to play in his annual charity golf day in Ealing.

It also emerged yesterday that the Newcastle players were distinctly unimpressed by Keegan's comments on Monday. The fact that he said they would not be a top four side in the three years that represent his current agreement shocked the players.

Tension: Ashley looks unimpressed as Keegan talks

They are concerned not only by what they see as a lack of ambition at the club, but a lack of belief in them.