Kevin Keegan is being lined for a sensational return to Newcastle – and the Saudi takeover could even be rubber-stamped later this week.
The man idolised as ‘The Messiah’ by the Toon Army will be invited to take up an ambassadorial role when the £300m buy-out is finalised.
And that could come within the next ten days as Mirror Sport understands that the Premier League are now within sight of giving Amanda Staveley’s P.I.F. consortium the green light to assume control.
To date, the club has not been asked for any further details on the proposed acquisition – which means that the fit and proper persons’ test is close to being satisfied – with a final decision expected imminently.
The new owners are keen to generate goodwill and have earmarked Keegan’s homecoming as a high-priority.
That news will be greeted with a huge sigh of relief on Tyneside – and the olive branch to Keegan is a sure sign that the new owners are keen to start afresh.
The Geordie Nation still holds a tremendous affection for the 69-year-old who is regarded as one of the city’s adopted sons after leading the Magpies out of the doldrums, both as a player and manager.
Keegan vowed never to set foot inside St James’s Park again after describing Mike Ashley’s ownership as ‘an empire of self-harm’ after a second spell as manager ended bitterly 12 years ago.
However, that is about to change - and there is also the potential for him to link-up once more with his erstwhile number two, Terry McDermott, who is another who is on the shortlist of former players with whom the club’s new hierarchy is keen to build bridges.
The duo will not have any direct influence on team affairs but Keegan’s name and superb media and personal skills are being seen as crucial to promoting the club on a global scale.
The move would be well-received on Tyneside and be the first sign that the new owners mean business.
Keegan was worshipped as a player and his stock only grew when he returned as a manager.
He signed stars such as Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, Robert Lee, Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley – breaking the world transfer record to bring in £15m striker Alan Shearer.
Labelled, ‘The Entertainers’ Newcastle came close to landing the title in the club’s most exciting era in decades and it is that spirit which the in-coming bosses are keen to tap into as the Magpies look to challenge the Premier League’s elite for the game’s top prizes.
