Kevin Keegan faces crunch talks with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley in London today, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail the manager was ordered to switch his pre-match press conference to today so that he can meet the billionaire and Dennis Wise, the club's executive director (football).

Ashley was said to be incensed by Keegan's comments following Monday's game against Chelsea, not least those directed at him.

Keegan complained that he was not receiving the financial backing to break into the top four of the Barclays Premier League and said sarcastically that his relationship with Ashley was fine because he "never" spoke to him.

Keegan's relationship with his employers has reached breaking point. Not only is he frustrated by what he sees as a lack of ambition and a reluctance to secure the services of Michael Owen on a long-term contract, but he believes football decisions are being made by the board without consulting him.