Kevin Keegan is launching a major compo claim against Newcastle United, it has been revealed.

Keegan is suing Newcastle United for £9million in damages after claiming unfair dismissal following his departure as manager last month.

The 57-year-old's second stint in charge on Tyneside ended in acrimonious circumstances after a bust-up with owner Mike Ashley.

Keegan has begun legal proceedings against the club demanding full payment of his three-and-a-half-year contract, according to the London Evening Standard.

It is believed Keegan claims he signed a deal to return to Newcastle on the condition that he was given total control of all first-team affairs.

But the former England boss believes Dennis Wise's role as director of football infringed upon the terms of that agreement and made his position untenable.