Kevin Keegan to return to football as Southampton manager?

Kevin Keegan is believed to be close to a shock return to football management after being spotted with key members of a consortium looking to buy Southampton Football Club, a side he represented in the 1980s.

Keegan turned his back on football after resigning from his beloved Newcastle United in September, complaining that he was not given enough decision-making powers.

But the ex-Manchester City, Fulham and Toon boss allegedly met with former Saints legend Matthew Le Tisser and ex-chairman Leon Crouch as they line up a bid to take control of the south coast side.

Crouch was ousted from the board last summer and has declined to comment but it has sparked rumours that Keegan is being lined up for St Mary's hot seat.

Southampton, who went into administration in February, were relegated from the Championship last season and will start their League One campaign with a 10-point penalty.

As early as tomorrow, the club and supporters could know whether Le Tissier and his associates, Pinnacle, have pulled off the coup. The consortium struck an exclusivity deal with The Saints' administrators late last month, which lasted for 21 days.

Keegan, 58, was a hugely popular figure at Southampton in the early 80s, as he spent two years with them after leaving Hamburg, where he had been crowned European Player of the Year, before joining Newcastle. Between 1980 and 1982 he netted 37 goals in 68 games for the Saints.

Get player videos and transfer news round-ups on the Football Spy blog .

FREE £25 BET WITH BETFAIR

Win a luxury holiday to Brazil