The Daily Mail says Keegan's move for Micah Richards could spark a new boom in player wages, driven even higher by the ambition and spending power of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

Richards remains the poorest-paid player in the England squad on just £15,000 a week and talks over a new four-and-a-half-year deal at City remain ongoing.

While the situation drags on, Keegan, backed by Ashley's money and an offer in the region of £70,000 a week, is ready to move. And yet another club prepared to pay astronomical wages is certain to drive the going rate skyward.

Richards' plan had been to stay with City and then plot a move to a side with genuine title aspirations, but Keegan has proven in the past that he can persuade players to make decisions they had previously ruled out. Keegan will also have to fend off Spurs, who want Richards as well.