MIKE Ashley will have to underwrite Kevin Keegan’s ongoing compensation battle with Newcastle United if he is to sell the club within the next fortnight.

With four consortia currently undergoing a process of due diligence, Ashley continues to edge closer to a sale of the Magpies. Keith Harris, the investment broker charged with overseeing the takeover process, spent the weekend in the United States meeting representatives of the American group that has always been regarded as one of the leading bidders.

Fans start campaign to call for immediate Shearer appointment

Ashley had hoped that a deal would have been agreed before Newcastle’s players return for the start of pre-season training on Wednesday, but the issue of Keegan’s unsettled compensation claim has emerged as a major stumbling block.

Keegan is claiming that his departure from St James’ Park last September was a case of constructive dismissal, citing boardroom interference as evidence of a concerted attempt to force him out of the club. The former manager’s claims are contested by Newcastle United.

If a court was to rule in Keegan’s favour, Newcastle could be forced to pay up to £8m, as he was only eight months into a three-year contract worth around £3m-a-year when he left the Magpies.

Understandably, the club’s prospective new owners are concerned at being saddled with a seven-figure bill, and it is thought they have demanded Ashley assumes personal responsibility for the dispute.

That would mean that if Keegan was to be awarded compensation in the future, it would be Ashley rather than Newcastle United who was responsible for paying it.

Meanwhile, Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood are expected to take joint control of pre-season training when Newcastle’s players return to the club’s Benton training ground in two days time.

With Alan Shearer still no nearer to being installed as manager on a permanent basis, the Magpies will begin preparations for life in the Championship under the temporary control of Hughton, who took charge for two unsuccessful spells last season, and Calderwood, who was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager last December.

Fitness coaches Robbie Elliott and Mark Hulse will not be involved in the pre-season schedule, as they have now parted company with the club.

Newcastle will begin their pre-season schedule on Tyneside before travelling to the Carton House training facility in Maynooth, Ireland, ahead of their opening friendly fixture against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, July 11.