Did Ashley Approach Marcelino While Keegan Was At Toon?

Marcelino helped Racing Santander qualify for the Uefa Cup, and to be honest, that's about as far as his CV goes ... but Ashley allegedly sees him as the perfect puppet to dangle in front of the media as Dennis Wise goes about his job of running the team.

Zaragoza were relegated to the second tier of Spanish football at the end of last season ... but the actual credentials of the new Toon manager is irrelevant ... he won't be asked to do much but 'look the part'.

Marcelino revealed he is not interested in managing Newcastle.

Marcelino: "I've signed a two-year deal with Zaragoza and I'm not going to move anywhere even if a lot of money is offered by whatever club.

"I'm committed to this project because I believe in it. I don't mind of Newcastle or whoever.

"My only idea is matching Zaragoza's objectives."