Keegan linked to Saints takeover

Keegan has been out of football since quitting Newcastle in September

Former Southampton chairman Leon Crouch has refused to comment on speculation suggesting that Kevin Keegan may make a sensational return to the club.

Local newspaper reports have linked the relegated League One club with their former star player of the early 1980s.

Current boss Mark Wotte's contract runs out on 30 June, and he is due to clarify his position with the club's intended new owners on Friday.

But Crouch's Pinnacle group insist Keegan has not had a formal approach.

BBC Radio Solent sports editor Adam Blackmore told Radio 5 Live: "We've seen photos this morning taken on a mobile seemingly showing Kevin Keegan with Matt Le Tissier and former chairman Leon Crouch, although none with the three of them together.

"Le Tissier is due to become chairman of the new board at the club if the takeover is completed successfully, and Crouch has been helping the Pinnacle group with that deal.

"Mark Wotte is still under contract. The deal is due to be completed on Friday and then people will speak."

606: DEBATE

I doubt Keegan would come in as director of football considering that's one of the reasons he left Newcastle, with Dennis Wise coming in

SRBShares

Former Fulham, England, Manchester City and Newcastle United manager Keegan has been out of the game since quitting St James' Park for a second time last September.

He first came to Southampton in July 1980 when Lawrie McMenemy lured him back to English football for £400,000 following three years with SV Hamburg.

Keegan spent two years at The Dell, hitting 37 goals in 68 league games.

During that time, Southampton finished sixth and seventh in successive seasons in the English top flight before Keegan left in August 1982 to join Newcastle.