Kevin Keegan will head for clear-the-air talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley on Friday after yet another eventful week on Tyneside.

Newcastle woke up to be greeted by headlines suggesting the 57-year-old has landed himself in hot water with his outburst about the gap between his club and the Barclays Premier League's big boys earlier this week.

Keegan will head for a meeting with the billionaire and executive director (football) Dennis Wise with speculation mounting that their relationship is becoming increasingly strained.

The Magpies had planned to hold their pre-match press conference for Sunday's trip to Everton on Friday lunchtime as usual, but hurriedly arranged it for today when the manager is certain to be quizzed on the latest development.

Ashley sprang a major surprise in January when he persuaded the former England boss to return to St James' Park for his second spell in charge in the wake of Sam Allardyce's departure.

Keegan revealed as he was unveiled that he had not been given guarantees about the cash he would be given to re-shape the squad, but was satisfied that he would receive significant backing.