Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan is ready to rock the transfer market by making a move for Manchester City star defender Micah Richards.

The Sunday Sun says Keegan last night admitted he has spoken to "a couple of agents about players" since starting his second spell as Newcastle boss in midweek - and that includes Richards' minders.

Richards is happy to stay at City for the next two seasons in the belief that he can make enough progress to earn a move to Manchester United or Arsenal.

But the versatile 19-year-old's hopes of a bumper new pay deal may offer Keegan hope of luring him to Tyneside.

Richards would like to boost his weekly wage from £15,000 to £70,000, but City are offering £45,000-a-week.