Taylor hits out at Kinnear

In a television interview earlier this week, Kinnear referred to the Frenchman as 'insomnia', sparking a row between the Newcastle manager and his player. N'Zogbia released a statement saying he would not play for the Magpies again under Kinnear, but the former Wimbledon boss retaliated by saying the argument was a "desperate attempt to engineer a move away from Newcastle United".

Taylor has now waded into the clash between the Newcastle pair, saying: "Why should we not expect Charles N'Zogbia to be upset when his own manager cannot even remember his correct name in public but chooses to say 'insomnia'? Respect runs two ways."

He added: "This is at best disrespectful and at worst deeply offensive, especially as insomnia is as difficult to pronounce as N'Zogbia. It's not good when people who should cannot remember your name.

"Ask Graham Taylor how he feels when he gets called Gordon Taylor. We are our name.

"The word (insomnia) gives the media a stick with which to beat the lad."

N'Zogbia's initial statement read: "First of all, I wish to apologise to the fans for wanting to leave the club.

"However, having been insulted by Joe Kinnear, I will never play for him again while he remains Newcastle manager."

The former Le Havre player and his representatives have been actively trying to secure his exit from St James' Park for some time, and have stepped up their efforts during the current transfer window - which closes at 5pm on Monday.

Tottenham, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Lyon are among the clubs which have been credited with an interest in him in recent weeks but his most likely destination remains Wigan, with Ryan Taylor a potential makeweight.