Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle United talks with Kevin Keegan

Eddie Howe has revealed he spoke to Kevin Keegan soon after being appointed Newcastle United head coach - and plans to reach out to the club legend again in the near future.

The situation Howe faced when arriving on Tyneside isn’t too dissimilar to that of Keegan’s as both battled to fight off relegation.

Keegan memorably steered the Magpies clear of relegation from the old Second Division, while Howe led the club to Premier League safety.

In doing so, United made Premier League history as the first team to not win any of their opening 14 games but survive anyway.

With 38 points picked up in 2022 so far, Howe’s men stayed up at a canter and recorded their best top-flight points total (49) in eight years.

Newcastle fans have been desperate to see Keegan back at St James’ Park following the Saudi Arabian-led takeover in October.

Under Mike Ashley’s ownership, 71-year-old vowed never to return following a huge fallout from his second spell as manager in 2008.

However, while Keegan was spotted at the Etihad Stadium - a relatively short trip from his home in Hale - watching United’s 5-0 defeat earlier month, he hasn’t visited St James’.

He has, however, passed on advice Howe.

Howe revealed: “I spoke to Kevin when I first got the job, it was one of my first calls. We had a really good conversation.

“He’s someone that I’ll be speaking to again. He’s someone, of course, I also respect.

“With his association with the club, it would be foolish of me not to tap into his knowledge.”

Keegan has been linked with an ambassador role at Newcastle but nothing has materialised. He has been back in the North East for talk-ins.