Keegan left Manchester City in 2005

The League One club parted company with manager Dave Penney on Wednesday.

Ryan was quoted in the Daily Mirror: "Kevin Keegan is the man I want as manager. It's the sort of challenge that would appeal to him."

Doncaster-born Keegan, 55, managed Newcastle, Fulham and England before a four-year spell with Manchester City.

Keegan is good friends with Rovers chairman Ryan.

Director of football Mickey Walker and goalkeeping coach Baz Richardson have been placed in temporary charge and Doncaster chief executive Dave Morris confirmed they would also be considered for the vacancy.

"It's encouraging to think Doncaster Rovers is seen by people as a club moving forward and that people want to be a part of it," said Morris.

"The fact we have been linked with Kevin Keegan and other high-profile applicants says a lot about this club's recent success.

"I don't want to give any names out, but we have had contact from managers who have managed in the Premiership and from coaches involved with Premiership and Championship clubs, it's really encouraging."

Penney had been in charge since December 2001 in his second spell as manager of the club.