Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has revealed that he will not stand in the way of unsettled French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia if he persists with his desire to leave the club in the summer.
After starting the campaign as one of Newcastle's few bright spots, the 21-year-old has slowly but surely faded as the season has progressed and was not even on the bench for last week's victory over Reading.
Keegan admitted that he blocked N'Zogbia's exit soon after reassuming the reigns at Tyneside towards the end of the winter transfer window, and still maintains that he hopes that the undeniably talented youngster will have a change of heart.
"When I first came in there were eight days left of the transfer window and Charles and his agent wanted to move him out of here, but I wouldn't allow that," said Keegan of the Arsenal target.
"Having said that, I said that if he did his best until the end of the season and then still felt the same way, I would let him go. But it would be on our terms, as he's got three years left here.
"I've had a chat with him and his training in the past week has been the best since I've been here. If he can learn to be a team player with his individual skill, he will be a hell of an asset for any club.
"Both the players and myself would like to keep him here because they know he can be a tremendous asset but he's got to be fully committed to Newcastle United and I think he might still decide to do that."
Goal.com - Newcastle - N'Zogbia Free To Leave