Exclusive: Kevin Keegan tipped for sensational Newcastle return

Paul Robinson has tipped Kevin Keegan to return to Newcastle United in some capacity.

The former England number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed it would be "sensible" to hand the 69-year-old a non-coaching role as the takeover looms.

The Daily Mirror claims the former Magpies manager and player is being lined up for a return to Tyneside as a club ambassador if the £300m takeover is completed.

The Premier League is in the latter stages of ratifying a deal between current owner Mike Ashley and the PCP Partners, a Saudi-backed consortium led by Amanda Staveley.

Keegan resigned from his second spell as Newcastle manager in September 2008 after just eight months in charge.

When asked by Football Insider if bringing Keegan back to the club would be a smart move, Robinson said: "For him to have a role in the club would be a sensible decision. It would excite people for historical reasons.

"To bring him back as the manager would be a nostalgic appointment, rather than a footballing appointment. He has been out of football for a long time.

"A top-class manager that is widely loved but replacing Steve Bruce with Kevin Keegan would be to go with your heart over your head. 

"If Steve Bruce is not the man it needs to be a world-class, renowned manager.

"It is alright having all this money but they need to spend the funds wisely."

Football Insider understands that the prospective new owners want to replace Steve Bruce with a "world-beater" of a manager.

Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri and former gaffer Rafael Benitez considered the front-runners at this stage.

In other Newcastle United news, Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider how Mauricio Pochettino would react if offered the chance to replace Bruce.