Reports suggesting Kevin Keegan would be prepared to return to Newcastle United for a third spell as manager have intensified.

The former England boss left St James' Park last month after revealing that he could no longer work under the management set-up created by Magpies owner Mike Ashley.

Ashley has since put the club up for sale and several interested parties have hinted that they would re-appoint Keegan as manager.

League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan has now confirmed that Keegan would be willing to return to Tyneside.

He told The Sun: "Numerous people, including a group of Newcastle supporters, have contacted Kevin and myself saying 'would he be interested in coming back?'.

"Kevin didn't want to leave. He has a great passion for the club. But the structure has to be right. He doesn't want to go through that again.

"Kevin can't make any decision until the club has been sold."