Alan Shearer will not be returning to former club Newcastle as Kevin Keegan's number two - but he could land a "worthwhile role" at the club.

However, the 37-year-old could yet have a role to play in the new regime at St James' Park after holding lengthy talks with Keegan on Thursday night, with another meeting planned for Monday.

Keegan and Shearer spent four hours deep in discussion as they considered linking up once again, although both were quick to reach the conclusion that the so-called "dream ticket" partnership is a non-starter.

Keegan said: "We will see what happens on Monday. It will not be as number two, I will tell you that.

"It will not be, and that's the conclusion we both came to. But it will be, if he decides to come in, a very worthwhile role."