N'Zogbia Causes Keegan Embarrassment!

Last Updated : 01-Feb-2008 by
The winger (turned defender) dropped a transfer deadline day bombshell on Keegan ...saying he wants to leave the club.

N'Zogbia signed a new five-year contract at the start of the season, and he seemed to be settled under Sam Alardyce. But the arrival of the Messiah, and rumour that Tottenham wanted him, had the French youngster make a last-minute plea for a transfer.

His agent Willie McKay, who would have picked up a sizable pay-packet had his client moved on, tried to put the wheels in motion yesterday.

But Keegan said it would be "impossible" to let him leave.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos took Keegan at his word and switch his attention away from the 21-year-old.

N'Zogia is seen as a future left-back, but he openly admits he does not like the position.

Several clubs have targeted him as the weak link in the back four, and Mancheste City and Arsenal have given him a torrid time this season, exploiting the space he leaves when he is tempted up the wing.

Keegan: "I like him very much. He's a player who never stops trying to do things.

"He's a player the opposition don't want to play against. He challenges you, comes at you and tries to take you on."

N'Zogbia went AWOL before the final game of the campaign last season just after Glenn Roeder was sacked.