Newcastle have announced that they have not sacked Kevin Keegan and they want him to remain as manager.

Keegan's future has been the subject of widespread speculation after reports emerged on Tuesday that Keegan had left the club.

The rumours about Keegan's future saw fans stage angry protests outside St James' Park with supporters calling for the head of owner Mike Ashley and the club's board.

However, the club have now revealed that they have not dispensed with Keegan's services and that the 57-year-old remains part of their plans.

It remains to be seen if Keegan will stay on as manager with reports suggesting the former England manager could still resign.

The club statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the Board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

"Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him.

"The club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

"Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St. James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the club.

"For the avoidance of doubt the club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager."