Newcastle administration fears

Press Association Sport understands some at the club fear Keegan could be awarded far in excess of the £9million which has been reported if he successfully argues his case.

That would have major financial implications for the cash-strapped club, with administration the most stark of a range of options.

Keegan's claim for constructive dismissal, which is being heard by a Premier League independent arbitration panel, is expected to reach a conclusion on Friday.

Should Ashley choose administration, the Magpies would lose 10 Coca-Cola Championship points, a penalty which would undermine their efforts to drag themselves back into the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.

It is just over a year since Keegan left St James' Park for the second time as manager amid a furious bust-up over the club's transfer policy.

His departure came following the deadline day arrivals of striker Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez, both allegedly without his knowledge.

His case is understood to rest on his claims that his position had become untenable, while Newcastle's defence is that he was fully aware of the way the recruitment set-up would work under Dennis Wise, then executive director (football), and that he walked out on his contract.

The two parties met in an attempt to find a solution days later, but were unable to do so, and arbitration talks since have also proved unsuccessful.