Keegan Has To Trim £10m Off The Wage Bill!

Last updated : 02 June 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Keegan took over in January and he warned that the size of billionaire owner Mike Ashley's ambition would be revealed by his summer transfer budget.

Keegan insisted Ashley had to ensure striker Michael Owen was handed a new deal ... which has not happened.

A Newcastle insider said: "The players have real fears that Kevin Keegan could part company with the club sooner rather than later. It is the talk of the dressing room. The manager is keeping his powder dry in public, but the players are well aware that Kevin and his assistant Terry McDermott are far from happy.

"The manager has made it clear he is only really a coach and all the major decisions are being made above his head in London.

"Several back-room staff have been brought in without any reference to Keegan and he is understandably frustrated.

"But it is the Owen situation that has really brought matters to a head. Keegan has been asked to trim £10m off the wage bill and it looks as if Owen's £5m-a-year is the number one target."