The club today described as "absolute nonsense" reports suggesting that Keegan is at loggerheads with his board over his stance on Barton.
United are not prepared to write off the near-£6m they paid Manchester City for Barton.
When Kevin Keegan speaks, which is not very often at the moment, the good people of Newcastle tend to listen.
But when he decided to back Barton and offer the convicted thug a route back to Premier League football ... even the biggest Newcastle diehard despaired.
Very few followers of the club will welcome Barton back with such open arms.
The boos are certain to ring out at grounds throughout the land when Barton does eventually wear a black and white shirt again. No one can be certain they won't be loudest at St James' Park and reverberating from all sides of the stadium.
Keegan meets Barton today to seek reassurances over his state of mind, as well as his physical fitness.
Barton, who has to wear an electronic tag and must serve 200 hours' community service, may now start to appreciate the role Keegan has again played in his life and career.
Will he repay the manager?
As KK said: "He has let me down many times before", but this time Barton has more than just Kevin Keegan to impress.