Brazilian soccer schools chief Simon Clifford insists the South African group seeking to buy Newcastle United is genuine.

"Our No 1 priority is to return Kevin (Keegan) to the club," Clifford told The Sunday Sun. "We had a very good meeting on Monday.

"I know there are other consortiums looking at the club as it is a terribly attractive proposition. I am under no illusion that Kevin may speak to them also, but we did have a mutual interest in working together."