Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is preparing for next season after holding "productive and constructive" talks with owner Mike Ashley.

Amid speculation that Ashley was furious over Keegan's remarks about the club's prospects of breaking into the Barclays Premier League's top four, it is understood the club's hierarchy have put days of rumours behind them to plot the way forward.

Chairman Chris Mort said: "It was a good meeting. It was both productive and constructive."

Mort and his newly-appointed deputy Derek Llambias, as well as executive director (football) Dennis Wise and vice-president (player recruitment) Tony Jimenez were also at the meeting with Ashley and Keegan.

Keegan will end an eventful season by taking his side to Everton on Sunday for their final Barclays Premier League game.