S Africans in Keegan link

JOHANNESBURG.

Jonathan Cleland, the businessman heading a South African consortium that is considering buying Newcastle, has revealed that he has talked to Kevin Keegan about returning to the club as manager.

Keegan's departure from St James' Park at the start of last month triggered a revolt among fans that resulted in current owner Mike Ashley putting the club up for sale.

Negotiations with Cleland's consortium are reportedly at an advanced stage and the businessman confirmed that he had held talks with Keegan this week and been encouraged by what he said.

"My meeting with Kevin went very well," Cleland told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle on Friday.

"I am hugely impressed with him and I got the sense there is a good chemistry between us and there is a strong mutual interest in working together.”