Newcastle 'peace' talks fail

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and Kevin Keegan have been unable to resolve their differences after talks in London.

It is understood billionaire Ashley and his former manager met in London on Friday - eight days after Keegan resigned as manager at St James' Park citing interference from boardroom level.

However, the League Managers' Association, who have been working closely with the former England boss since matters came to a head, revealed no solution had been found.

A statement read: "The League Managers Association can confirm that talks to resolve several issues were held. However, the discussion failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion."

It is not clear whether or not the two men will hold further talks after the news of the unexpected meeting sparked hopes of a reconciliation on Tyneside.

As rumours over the meeting's nature grew, some bookmakers responded by suspending betting on Keegan taking over as the next manager.

However, it is possible the pair may have been meeting to discuss a compromise over the terms of Keegan's departure.

There was no official word from Newcastle as the soap opera rumbled on, the club having once again found itself thrust into the headlines for unwelcome reasons.

In recent days, a series of candidates have been linked with the vacant post, with Tottenham number two Gus Poyet, Blackburn boss Paul Ince and former France skipper Didier Deschamps leading the way.

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