Bookies have cut the odds of Kevin Keegan making yet another sensational return to Newcastle United.
However, one leading bookmaker claims almost all bets are being placed on Mauricio Pochettino becoming the next NUFC manager.
It comes as drama continues to surround the proposed Saudi takeover.
The £300m deal is now understood to be in the hands of the Premier League, although fears raised by the World Trade Organisation over piracy have raised fresh questions over the long-running saga.
If the takeover does happen, bookmakers say current boss Steve Bruce is odds-on not to be in the St James Park dugout at the start of next season.
Several firms have another former Toon manager, Rafa Benitez, and ex-Spurs boss Pochettino as the two clear front-runners to replace him.
However, Kevin Keegan's odds have tumbled to as low as 12/1 with some bookies, with SkyBet now pricing him as its third favourite.
William Hill say there was a string of bets placed on Keegan - seen as the 'Messiah' as Tyneside - making what would be a third stint in charge.
Those bets came in when he was priced as a longshot at 33/1, forcing bookies to act - however, most of that is going on the odds-on favourite.
“There is some money around for Kevin Keagan but the reality is that Pochettino has attracted over 80% of the money in the market and looks a very solid favourite,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.
A club hero due to his time as a player and manager, Keegan has previously been tipped to make a return if Mike Ashley does sell-up. However, he's reportedly been eyed up for a back-office role - possibly as an ambassador - rather than as manager again.
Despite the speculation though, Steve Bruce reportedly has the backing of the current squad having guided the club to 13th in the table before the coronavirus brought the season to a sudden halt.
