Tottenham will fight to keep Gus Poyet as their assistant manager after the Uruguayan was targeted by Newcastle to replace Kevin Keegan.

Poyet has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over at St James' Park following the final confirmation of Keegan's resignation last night.

The former England boss cited irreconcilable differences with the Newcastle board for his departure.

It is believed that he could no longer work with executive director Dennis Wise, who is responsible for player recruitment.

But Poyet has a close relationship with Wise having worked as his assistant manager when he was in charge at Swindon and Leeds, as well as playing alongside him for four years at Chelsea.

He is also close friends with Tony Jimenez, another of the Newcastle backroom team.

Rumours initially surfaced on Monday morning that Keegan, 57, had left his post, only to be followed by statements from both sides insisting he hadn't.

Keegan first walked out on the club on Tuesday and the split was confirmed in a statement released on his behalf by the League Managers' Association.

In it, he said: "I have been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.

"It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.

"It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly, the supporters.

"I have been left with no choice other than to leave."

Poyet has impressed in his role at Spurs as well as in his jobs at Swindon and Leeds.

He was also targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson two months ago to fill the vacant role of No2 at Old Trafford after the departure of Carlos Queiroz to Portugal.

But Tottenham and Ramos are desperate for him to stay at White Hart Lane and hope his important role at the club will keep him in north London.